Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Sue Renfrow RN, BSN

Carpal Tunnel *Entrapment neuropathy that occurs when the median nerve at the wrist is compressed by a flexor tendon sheath.

Causes *Repetitive hand activities *Arthritis *Hypothyroidism *Pregnancy

Signs and Symptons *Pain *Numbness *Paresthesia *Weakness

Assessment & Diagnosis *Tinel’s test (pop wrist with finger-will feel pain if positive test) *Phalen Test (bend wrist with hands down- pain, numbness, and tingling) *Nerve conduction test

Treatment *Rest *Splints *Ergonomic changes *NSAIDS *Cortisone shots *Surgery (24-48 will be flexing fingers)

Nursing Diagnosis *Peripheral neurovascular dysfunction *Acute pain *Self-care deficit *Risk for infection

Nursing Interventions *Neurovascular assessment *Motor function *Pain control Make sure bandage is not too tight do finger exercised teach how to do ADL’s