Question

A client diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) asks the nurse about numbness in the fingers and pain in the wrist. What is the best response by the nurse?

A. "CTS is a neuropathy that is characterized by pannus formation in the shoulder."
B. "CTS is a neuropathy that is characterized by compression of the median nerve at the wrist."
C. "CTS is a neuropathy that is characterized by bursitis and tendinitis."
D. "CTS is a neuropathy that is characterized by flexion contracture of the fourth and fifth fingers."

Answer 1

CTS is a neuropathy that is characterized by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Symptoms include numbness and pain in the fingers. Treatment options include wrist splint, corticosteroid injections, or surgery to release the carpal ligament.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response by the nurse would be B. "CTS is a neuropathy that is characterized by compression of the median nerve at the wrist."

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed between the carpal bones. This can happen due to repetitive use of the wrist, trauma, or other factors. The compression of the median nerve leads to symptoms such as numbness, pain, and tingling in the fingers.

Treatment options for CTS include wearing a wrist splint, receiving corticosteroid injections, or surgery to release the carpal ligament and relieve the pressure on the median nerve.