A gravida 1 patient at 32 weeks of gestation reports that she has severe lower back pain. What should the nurse's assessment include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Observation of posture and body mechanics is essential in assessing lower back pain in a pregnant patient to identify any potential causes related to the growing uterus and changes in body mechanics. Palpation of the lumbar spine (Choice A) may provide some information but does not address the underlying issue. Exercise pattern and duration (Choice B) are important but not the priority in this scenario. Ability to sleep for at least 6 hours uninterrupted (Choice D) is not directly related to assessing lower back pain.