Question

Sandra, a computer programmer has just been given a new diagnosis of carpel tunnel syndrome, your next step is to

a- refer her to a hand surgeon
b- take a complete hx
c- try neutral position wrist splinting and order an oral NSAID
d- order an EMG

Answer 1

Sandra should initially try conservative treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, such as neutral position wrist splinting and oral NSAIDs, before considering surgery or EMG.

Step-by-step explanation:

If Sandra, a computer programmer, has just been given a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, a sensible next step would be to try conservative treatments. This includes neutral position wrist splinting and prescribing an oral NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). These initial treatments often help alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, which are caused by the compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel of the wrist. Intervention with a hand surgeon may be considered if these treatments do not provide relief. An Electromyography (EMG) test might be ordered later to assess the electrical activity of muscles, but typically after initial conservative approaches have been tried.