Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

Which condition involves compression of the median nerve at the wrist?

1. Raynaud's syndrome

2. Tennis elbow

3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

4. DeQuervain's Disease

The correct answer is: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is characterized by the compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, which is a small passageway located at the wrist. This condition typically arises due to repetitive motions, inflammation, or swelling in the wrist area, which can lead to symptoms such as pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers. The median nerve is responsible for the sensation in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger, as well as controlling some muscles at the base of the thumb. When this nerve gets compressed, it results in the symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The other conditions listed do not involve median nerve compression at the wrist. For instance, Raynaud's syndrome pertains to vascular issues affecting blood flow, mainly in response to cold temperatures or stress. Tennis elbow, on the other hand, is related to elbow pain caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. Similarly, DeQuervain's Disease involves inflammation of the tendons around the thumb and wrist but does not impact the median nerve. Thus, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is specifically noted for its association with median nerve compression at the wrist.