A patient nearing term with low back pain could be experiencing which of the following?

Low back pain in a patient nearing term can indeed be associated with either false labor or active labor, making the choice that includes both options the correct one. In the context of approaching labor, many women experience various forms of discomfort, including low back pain, which can occur during Braxton Hicks contractions, known as false labor. These contractions are irregular and typically do not lead to cervical changes.

Conversely, low back pain can also indicate the onset of active labor, characterized by regular, increasingly intense contractions that do lead to changes in the cervix. During active labor, back pain can result from the positioning of the fetus and the pressure exerted on the spine and pelvis.

Since low back pain can manifest during both stages, it is crucial for healthcare providers to assess the characteristics of the pain and any accompanying symptoms to determine the labor stage and the appropriate care for the patient. Thus, the option indicating that low back pain could result from either false or active labor is the most comprehensive and accurate.