FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What condition does Phalen's test evaluate?

1. Carpal tunnel syndrome

2. Meningeal irritation

3. Peritoneal irritation

4. Osteoarthritis

The correct answer is: Carpal tunnel syndrome

Phalen's test is specifically designed to evaluate carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a condition resulting from the compression of the median nerve as it travels through the wrist at the carpal tunnel. During the test, the patient performs wrist flexion by pressing the backs of their hands together, commonly for a period of 60 seconds. A positive Phalen's test is indicated by the presence of symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or pain in the fingers or hand, which suggests that the median nerve is affected by compression in the area. In contrast, meningeal irritation is typically assessed using tests like the Kernig's sign and Brudzinski's sign, which are unrelated to the wrist and the carpal tunnel. Peritoneal irritation is evaluated through abdominal examination techniques, and osteoarthritis is diagnosed through clinical assessment of joint function, imaging, and physical examination rather than specific test maneuvers like Phalen's test. Thus, the specificity of Phalen's test to carpal tunnel syndrome makes it an essential examination tool in the diagnosis of this particular condition.