26th June 2023

A 75-year-old lady presents with a gradual loss of power in her right leg over the last few hours

A 75-year-old lady presents with a gradual loss of power in her right leg over the last few hours. She has a history of chronic back pain which has worsened in the last few hours. She is passing urine but complains of significant urgency, needing to go every few minutes. A helpful ED doctor has obtained a lumbar spine x-ray and pelvic x-ray, which look normal, but is admitting her for social reasons and starting antibiotics for a UTI. No pre-void or post-void bladder scan was completed, and a digital rectal examination has not been performed or documented.

What is the most appropriate next course of action?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.