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