Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

o Is nerve compression of the median

nerve that passes through the carpal
tunnel of the wrist.

Signs and Symptoms

o Tingling, numbness, or burning
sensation
o Weakness
o Pain

Causes
o Anything that crowds, irritates or compresses the
median nerve in the carpal tunnel space can lead
to carpal tunnel syndrome.
o In many cases, no single cause can be identified.
It may be that a combination of risk factors
contributes to the development of the condition.
Such as: Anatomic factors, Sex, Nerve-damaging
conditions, Inflammatory conditions,
Alterations in the balance of body fluids,
Other medical conditions.

Treatment
Nonsurgical therapy
If the condition is diagnosed early,
nonsurgical methods may help improve carpal
tunnel syndrome
o
Wrist splinting
o
o

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

(NSAIDs)
Corticosteroids

Surgery
If your symptoms are severe or persist after
trying nonsurgical therapy, surgery may be
the most appropriate option.
o Endoscopic surgery
o Open surgery

NURSING DIAGNOSES
o Pain related to pressure on median nerve.
o Impaired physical mobility related
neuromuscular impairment and pain.
o Disturbed sensory perception: tactile

Intervention
o Assist the patient with hygiene if necessary before
surgical correction and with postoperative dressings
after surgery.
o

Patients wearing wrist splints may need assistance with

certain activities of
daily living (ADLs).

Assist the patient in exercising the hand; encourage

performance of activities through physical therapy.

Monitor the motion and sensation in the hand following

surgerycheck capillary refill, color, and sensation of
fingers.

o Encourage movement of fingers after surgery.

o Monitor postoperative dressing for drainage.
o Explain to the patient:
o Use, interactions, and side effects of antiinflammatory medications.
o Proper use of wrist splints.
o Encourage appropriate exercises.
o Use of ergonomic devices, such as wrist rests or
keyboard trays for computer work.

Quiz
1.What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
a. Compression of the median nerve that
passes through the carpal tunnel of the
wrist.
b.Narrowing of the median nerve that passes
through the carpal tunnel of the wrist.
c.Enlargement of the nerve that passes
through the carpal tunnel of the wrist.

2. All are a nonsurgical therapy for

Tunnel Syndrome, except?
a.

Wrist splinting

b. Corticosteroids
c. Endoscopic

Carpal

3. What is a Carpal Tunnel and its

purpose?

4. Give a Nursing Interventions for Carpal

Tunnel Syndrome (3)

Thank You