AANP Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Practice 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Tinel's sign is a clinical test used primarily to assess for carpal tunnel syndrome. This sign is elicited by tapping over the median nerve at the wrist, where it passes under the transverse carpal ligament. A positive Tinel's sign is indicated by tingling or a "pins and needles" sensation in the distribution of the median nerve, which typically affects the thumb, index, middle finger, and part of the ring finger. This response suggests that the median nerve is being affected by compression or irritation.

Carpal tunnel syndrome specifically involves the entrapment and compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which aligns with the purpose of Tinel's sign. Other conditions listed, such as tendonitis, nerve compression syndrome, and muscle strain, may involve similar symptoms but are diagnosed through different clinical evaluations and physical exams focused on their unique characteristics. Understanding the specific implications and indications of Tinel's sign is crucial for correctly identifying carpal tunnel syndrome in patients experiencing symptoms related to median nerve dysfunction.