______ is a common neurological disorder that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.

Appeared in: MP NHM CHO-2024 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The question provides the exact definition of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
CTS is a common condition caused by the compression or squeezing of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway at the wrist.
The median nerve runs from the forearm into the hand and provides sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger.
Compression of this nerve leads to the characteristic symptoms of pain, numbness, and tingling in its distribution.

Option A: A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a jolt or blow to the head. It affects the brain, not the peripheral nerves of the wrist.
Option C: Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue covering internal organs, most commonly the lungs. It is unrelated to nerve compression.
Option D: Haemorrhage refers to active bleeding from a damaged blood vessel. While trauma causing a haemorrhage could potentially injure a nerve, haemorrhage itself is not a chronic nerve compression syndrome.

Visual 1: Anatomical Diagram - An illustration showing the cross-section of the wrist, highlighting the carpal tunnel, the median nerve, and the surrounding tendons and ligaments. This helps visualize the site of compression.
Visual 2: Infographic - A depiction of the hand showing the sensory distribution of the median nerve (thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger) to clarify which areas are affected by CTS.
Visual 3: Procedural Illustration - A diagram showing how to perform Phalen's maneuver (wrist flexion) and Tinel's sign (tapping the nerve) to test for CTS.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) / Median Nerve Entrapment as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses frequently encounter patients with CTS, especially in occupations involving repetitive wrist movements (e.g., typing, assembly line work). Assessment includes asking about symptoms, performing Tinel's and Phalen's tests, and educating on prevention.
Patient education is a key nursing role, involving teaching about wrist splints (especially at night), ergonomic modifications, and exercises to alleviate symptoms.
What if the patient's numbness and tingling were primarily in the little finger and the adjacent half of the ring finger? This would point away from CTS and suggest compression of the ulnar nerve, likely at the elbow (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome), requiring a different assessment and management plan.

How to Approach the Question

First, carefully read the question stem to identify the key defining features of the disorder.
Note the specific anatomical and physiological details provided: a 'neurological disorder', involving the 'median nerve', which is 'pressed or squeezed', specifically 'at the wrist'.
Recognize that this is a factual recall question asking for the name of a condition based on its definition.
Evaluate each option against the description in the stem.
Eliminate 'Concussion' (brain injury), 'Mesothelioma' (cancer), and 'Haemorrhage' (bleeding) as they do not match the description of a peripheral nerve compression at the wrist.
Identify 'Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)' as the only option that precisely matches the definition of median nerve compression at the wrist.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full MP NHM CHO-2024 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.