ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam Related

Review ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam related questions and content

A nurse is assessing a client who reports numbness and pain in his right palm, index finger, and middle finger. The client reports working with a keyboard most of the time while at work. The nurse suspects carpal tunnel syndrome. Which of the following tests should the nurse request that the client perform?

  • A. Tinel's sign
  • B. Phalen's test
  • C. Rinne's test
  • D. Romberg test
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Phalen's test. Phalen's test is used to assess for carpal tunnel syndrome by having the client flex the wrists and press the backs of the hands together for 1 minute to compress the median nerve. This test reproduces symptoms in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome due to increased pressure on the median nerve. Tinel's sign (A) is used to assess for nerve compression, but it is not specific to carpal tunnel syndrome. Rinne's test (C) is used to assess for hearing loss. Romberg test (D) is used to assess for balance and proprioception issues. Choices E, F, and G are not relevant to assessing carpal tunnel syndrome.