Question

After inguinal hernia surgery under general a patient complains of paresthesias in the right hand. Which one of these pairings accounts for the most likely nerve damaged and area of concern?

A. Ulnar nerve—second and third digits
B. Ulnar nerve—fourth and fi ft h digits
C. Median nerve—first and second digits
D. Median nerve—fourth and fi ft h digits
E. Ulnar nerve—third and fourth digits

Answer 1

The most likely nerve damaged causing paresthesias in the right hand after the described surgery is the ulnar nerve, affecting the fourth and fifth digits.

Step-by-step explanation:

After inguinal hernia surgery under general anesthesia, a patient complains of paresthesias in the right hand. The most likely nerve damage based on the described symptoms would be to the ulnar nerve, with sensory changes particularly in the region of the fourth and fifth digits. Therefore, the pairing that accounts for the most likely nerve damaged and area of concern is:

B. Ulnar nerve—fourth and fifth digits

The ulnar nerve is typically associated with sensation in the pinky finger (fifth digit) and adjacent half of the ring finger (fourth digit), which fits the description of experiencing paresthesias in these areas.