A 38-year-old construction worker reports hand weakness and difficulty gripping tools. Examination reveals atrophy of the thenar eminence and decreased sensation in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. What diagnostic test would most likely confirm the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome?
MRI of the wrist
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies
Ultrasound of the wrist
X-ray of the wrist
The Correct Answer is B
A. MRI of the wrist can help rule out other conditions, but it is not the most specific test for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.
B. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies are the gold standard for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome. These tests measure the electrical activity of the muscles and the speed of nerve impulses to confirm nerve compression.
C. Ultrasound of the wrist may be helpful in visualizing the median nerve but is not as definitive as EMG and nerve conduction studies.
D. X-ray of the wrist would not be useful in diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome as it does not show soft tissue or nerve involvement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A troponin level is used to diagnose cardiac injury, not multiple sclerosis. It does not help in confirming MS.
B. A myelogram is a diagnostic test for spinal cord disorders, but it is not typically used to diagnose multiple sclerosis.
C. A lumbar puncture is commonly performed to help diagnose multiple sclerosis. It can show abnormalities such as oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid, which is suggestive of MS.
D. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a marker for heart failure and is unrelated to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Paresthesia, or abnormal sensations such as tingling or numbness, is a common symptom in patients with multiple sclerosis due to nerve damage.
B. Nausea and vomiting are not typical symptoms of multiple sclerosis but may occur in specific cases due to other complications.
C. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can occur in multiple sclerosis as a result of nerve damage affecting the muscles involved in swallowing.
D. Spasticity, or muscle stiffness, is common in multiple sclerosis due to damage to the nerve pathways that control muscle movement.
E. Vertigo, or dizziness, is a frequent symptom of multiple sclerosis due to lesions in the brainstem affecting balance.
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