Question

While the nurse is performing a physical assessment, the client reports numbness, tingling, and pain when the nurse percusses lightly over the median nerve. What should this assessment indicate to the nurse?

A. Morton's neuroma
B. Dupuytren's contracture
C. Carpal tunnel syndrome
D. Impingement syndrome

Answer 1

Numbness, tingling, and pain upon percussion over the median nerve suggest Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, as these symptoms are indicative of median nerve compression within the carpal tunnel.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse percusses lightly over the median nerve and the client reports numbness, tingling, and pain, this assessment should indicate to the nurse the presence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). These symptoms arise because of compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, which could be due to several factors, including repetitive wrist use or trauma. The numbness and tingling primarily affect the thumb and the first two fingers, consistent with the sensory distribution of the median nerve. While Morton's neuroma, Dupuytren's contracture, and Impingement syndrome are also pathologies related to the musculoskeletal system, they do not present with these specific symptoms of median nerve compression.