Mr. Harvey, a computer programmer, has been complaining of numbness and pain in his right hand. The nurse practitioner diagnosed his problem as carpal tunnel syndrome and prescribed use of a splint. Where will Mr. Harvey apply the splint?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. It leads to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand, especially affecting the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist formed by carpal bones and the transverse carpal ligament. It houses the median nerve and tendons that control finger movement. Understanding its location is essential for targeting treatment like splint placement.

A splint for carpal tunnel syndrome is applied to the wrist to keep it in a neutral position, reducing pressure on the median nerve. It immobilizes the wrist, preventing flexion or extension that can worsen symptoms, and is typically worn during activities or at night.