PSI Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Practice Exam

Phalen's maneuver is a specific test used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome by evaluating the median nerve's function. In this test, the patient is asked to hold the wrists in flexion for a prolonged period (typically around 30 seconds). During this time, symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pain in the distribution of the median nerve—primarily in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger—are assessed. The presence of these symptoms during or after the maneuver supports the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Finkelstein's test is more commonly associated with De Quervain's tenosynovitis, which involves pain in the area of the wrist and thumb upon specific movements and does not assess the median nerve. McMurray's test is used primarily to evaluate meniscal tears in the knee and is unrelated to wrist conditions. The wrist flexion test can be misleading as it may pertain to various wrist issues and is not specifically utilized for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome. Thus, Phalen's maneuver is the most appropriate maneuver for assessing this particular condition.