Final answer:
To test the C7 dermatome, you would evaluate sensation in the region of the middle finger, performing tests from distal to proximal areas to assess sensory perception.
Step-by-step explanation:
To test for the C7 dermatome, you would examine the area of the skin that the seventh cervical nerve innervates. This dermatome includes the middle finger, extending to the dorsal and palmar aspects of the hand. During a sensory exam, a practitioner will usually apply a light touch stimulus, such as the soft end of a cotton-tipped applicator, to this area to assess for normal sensation. Sensory testing within the C7 dermatome should also incorporate assessment from distal to proximal locations in order to determine if there are any gradients of sensory perception. Tests of other somatosensory modalities, such as proprioception, can involve moving the finger and inquiring if the patient can sense this movement.