Question

Which is the primary reason to pad peripheral nerves when positioning patients?

A) The pad improves blood flow.
B) The pad limits stretch of the nerve.
C) The pad decreases stretch on the nerve.
D) The pad distributes point pressure.

Answer 1

The main purpose of padding peripheral nerves when positioning patients is to decrease stretch on the nerve, preventing potential nerve damage by distributing pressure more evenly.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary reason to pad peripheral nerves when positioning patients is to decrease stretch on the nerve (Option C). Padding helps in protecting the nerves from undue pressure and stretch, which can lead to nerve damage or neuropathy. While increasing blood flow is beneficial, it is not the primary purpose of padding in this context. Padding serves to distribute point pressure and limit potential injury by cushioning the nerves where they might be compressed by the patient's own body weight or surgical retractors during a procedure.