Clinical Scenarios Surgical Tech (NCCT)
Grace, a secretary at the local high school, presents to Dr. Smith with complaints of
numbness, tingling and pain in her left hand. After examination of the volar surface of the
hand, Dr. Smith notes that the symptoms are localized to the thumb and index finger. He
also notes the pain sometimes radiates up her arm, into her shoulder, and occasionally
wakes her up at night. Grace has been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
List equipment that, as the surgical technologist assigned to this case, you should make sure
is in the operating room - ANS-Hand tray
Hand table
Video equipment for endoscopic release
Tourniquet
Grace, a secretary at the local high school, presents to Dr. Smith with complaints of
numbness, tingling and pain in her left hand. After examination of the volar surface of the
hand, Dr. Smith notes that the symptoms are localized to the thumb and index finger. He
also notes the pain sometimes radiates up her arm, into her shoulder, and occasionally
wakes her up at night. Grace has been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
In what position should the patient be placed? - ANS-Supine, with affected arm extended on
a hand table
Grace, a secretary at the local high school, presents to Dr. Smith with complaints of
numbness, tingling and pain in her left hand. After examination of the volar surface of the
hand, Dr. Smith notes that the symptoms are localized to the thumb and index finger. He
also notes the pain sometimes radiates up her arm, into her shoulder, and occasionally
wakes her up at night. Grace has been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
What anatomy does this involve? - ANS-Median nerve,
Carpal ligament
Grace, a secretary at the local high school, presents to Dr. Smith with complaints of
numbness, tingling and pain in her left hand. After examination of the volar surface of the
hand, Dr. Smith notes that the symptoms are localized to the thumb and index finger. He
also notes the pain sometimes radiates up her arm, into her shoulder, and occasionally
wakes her up at night. Grace has been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
What are the surgical repair options? - ANS-Open carpal tunnel release
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
Grace, a secretary at the local high school, presents to Dr. Smith with complaints of
numbness, tingling and pain in her left hand. After examination of the volar surface of the
hand, Dr. Smith notes that the symptoms are localized to the thumb and index finger. He
also notes the pain sometimes radiates up her arm, into her shoulder, and occasionally
wakes her up at night. Grace has been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
List equipment that, as the surgical technologist assigned to this case, you should make sure
is in the operating room - ANS-Hand tray
Hand table
Video equipment for endoscopic release
Tourniquet
Grace, a secretary at the local high school, presents to Dr. Smith with complaints of
numbness, tingling and pain in her left hand. After examination of the volar surface of the
hand, Dr. Smith notes that the symptoms are localized to the thumb and index finger. He
also notes the pain sometimes radiates up her arm, into her shoulder, and occasionally
wakes her up at night. Grace has been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
In what position should the patient be placed? - ANS-Supine, with affected arm extended on
a hand table
Grace, a secretary at the local high school, presents to Dr. Smith with complaints of
numbness, tingling and pain in her left hand. After examination of the volar surface of the
hand, Dr. Smith notes that the symptoms are localized to the thumb and index finger. He
also notes the pain sometimes radiates up her arm, into her shoulder, and occasionally
wakes her up at night. Grace has been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
What anatomy does this involve? - ANS-Median nerve,
Carpal ligament
Grace, a secretary at the local high school, presents to Dr. Smith with complaints of
numbness, tingling and pain in her left hand. After examination of the volar surface of the
hand, Dr. Smith notes that the symptoms are localized to the thumb and index finger. He
also notes the pain sometimes radiates up her arm, into her shoulder, and occasionally
wakes her up at night. Grace has been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
What are the surgical repair options? - ANS-Open carpal tunnel release
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
