A nurse is performing a physical examination on a client who has radiculopathy due to cervical spine degeneration. Which of the following tests should the nurse use to assess the client’s condition?
A.
Spurling’s test
B.
Romberg’s test
C.
Tinel’s sign
D.
Phalen’s test
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Spurling’s test.
Explanation:
Radiculopathy due to cervical spine degeneration is a condition where nerve roots are compressed or irritated in the cervical spine, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness that can radiate down the arm. To assess this condition, specific diagnostic tests are used to identify nerve root involvement and the source of the symptoms.
Spurling’s Test:
Spurling’s test is specifically designed to assess cervical radiculopathy. During the test, the patient’s head is tilted to the affected side and rotated while a downward force is applied to the top of the head. This maneuver increases the pressure on the cervical nerve roots and can reproduce symptoms of radiculopathy, such as pain or tingling radiating into the arm. A positive Spurling’s test indicates that the symptoms are likely due to nerve root compression or irritation in the cervical spine.
Other Tests:
- Romberg’s Test: This test is used to assess proprioceptive function and balance. The patient is asked to stand with feet together and eyes closed. A loss of balance can suggest problems with the proprioceptive or vestibular system, but it is not specific for cervical radiculopathy.
- Tinel’s Sign: This test involves tapping over the nerve to check for symptoms like tingling or pain. Tinel’s sign is more commonly used for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome or other peripheral nerve entrapments, not cervical radiculopathy.
- Phalen’s Test: This test is used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. The patient is asked to flex the wrists and hold the position to see if symptoms like numbness or tingling occur in the distribution of the median nerve. This test is not specific for cervical radiculopathy.
In summary, Spurling’s test is the most appropriate for assessing cervical radiculopathy because it directly evaluates the impact of cervical nerve root compression on the patient’s symptoms.