In hand ROM, inability to extend the wrist during examination suggests injury to which nerve?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Prepare for the Orthopedic, Psychiatric, Endocarditis Exams. Enhance your skills with our engaging quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Get exam ready with our comprehensive study tools!

Multiple Choice

In hand ROM, inability to extend the wrist during examination suggests injury to which nerve?

Explanation:
Wrist extension is carried out by the extensor muscles of the posterior forearm, all of which are innervated by the radial nerve. When the radial nerve is damaged, these extensors—especially the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, and the extensor carpi ulnaris—cannot contract to lift or extend the dorsum of the hand, producing a wrist drop during ROM. The median and ulnar nerves mainly control finger flexors and intrinsic hand muscles, and the axillary nerve supplies the deltoid and teres minor, not wrist extension. Thus, inability to extend the wrist points to radial nerve injury.

Wrist extension is carried out by the extensor muscles of the posterior forearm, all of which are innervated by the radial nerve. When the radial nerve is damaged, these extensors—especially the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, and the extensor carpi ulnaris—cannot contract to lift or extend the dorsum of the hand, producing a wrist drop during ROM. The median and ulnar nerves mainly control finger flexors and intrinsic hand muscles, and the axillary nerve supplies the deltoid and teres minor, not wrist extension. Thus, inability to extend the wrist points to radial nerve injury.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy