The nurse is preparing a symptom management teaching plan for a client diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. Which instruction is appropriate to include in the teaching plan?

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11ecbb05_ca08_60be_b433_3984222f3ab9_MD0009_00 Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is pain and paresthesia of the hand caused by median nerve compression within the carpal tunnel at the wrist. Nerve compression can occur due to inflammation of the tendons; narrowing or compression of the carpal tunnel; or wrist flexion or extension. Symptoms of CTS are often exacerbated during sleep due to prolonged and unintentional wrist flexion. Most clients with CTS can conservatively manage symptoms with wrist immobilization splints (Option D). Splinting and immobilization of the wrist (particularly during sleep) reduces pain by preventing flexion or extension and subsequent nerve compression. Clients with CTS may require surgery to permanently relieve symptoms. (Options A and C) Instructing clients to perform repetitive hand exercises or wear elastic compression hose could worsen symptoms of CTS by increasing median nerve compression. (Option B) Although educating clients to avoid tobacco and caffeinated products is appropriate to improve general health, avoidance of such substances does not impact symptoms of CTS. Educational objective: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is pain and paresthesia of the hand caused by compression of a median nerve within the carpal tunnel of the wrist. Clients with CTS are taught to wear wrist immobilization splints, particularly at night, to prevent wrist flexion and subsequent nerve compression to reduce symptoms.

The Nurse Is Preparing a Symptom Management Teaching Plan for a Client