Question

Please Answer completely, thoroughly, and in your own words, please no handwriting. all typed.

A 45-year-old lab technician complains of pain and “electrical shock” sensations in his left hand at night. He also notices increasing clumsiness and weakness of his left hand. On the physician exam, you note decreased sensation to light touch, pinprick, and temperature, on the palmar surfaces of the thumb and first two fingers on the left hand. The thumb is weak and its muscle is atrophied. Tapping the palmar surface of the left wrist sends “electrical shocks” through the first two fingers. The right hand is entirely normal in function and sensation. The patient is otherwise healthy.

1. Based on the information provided, what do you think the diagnosis would be and why?
2. What nursing plan of care would you expect to provide for this patient and why?
3. What nursing education should you provide for this patient and their family and why?

Answer 1

Answer:

In this case, the diagnosis would be carpal tunnel syndrome.

Because the clinical features observed and experienced by the patient like

Pain and “electrical shock” sensations in his left hand at night.

Numbness on the thumb, index finger, and the middle finger.

The thumb is weak and its muscle is atrophied.

The above clinical features or signs of symptoms are reported in the patient with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Nursing plan of care:

Pain is due to the inflammation caused by median nerve compression

Intervention and Rationale:

Checks the features of the pain to plan the measures of treatment

To divert the patient's attention from the sensation of pain, involve the patient in diversional activities.

Pain killers like NSAID reduce pain. So, instruct the patient to consume the NSAID as directed by the physician.

Pain due to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Intervention and Rationale:

Determine the patient activity level and plan the measures for treatment

To decrease pain sensation, provide comfort measures.

To prevent carpal tunnel syndrome complications provide training of exercise.

Advice the patient to take frequent breaks in-between job and us ergonomic instruments

The patient and patient's family cooperation is required to reduce complications and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.