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Questions and Answers

In tendons with sheaths, such as those in the hands and wrists, what is the primary cause of tenosynovitis?

Genetic predisposition causing the tendon sheath to narrow over time.
Sudden, forceful stretching of the tendon beyond its normal range.
Direct trauma to the tendon from an impact injury.
Overuse leading to lubrication failure, friction, swelling, and inflammation. (correct)

What physiological process primarily contributes to nerve injuries caused by repetitive motion and awkward postures?

Increased blood flow to the nerve, causing hypersensitivity.
Shrinkage of surrounding tissues, leading to nerve expansion.
Swelling of surrounding tissues, leading to nerve compression. (correct)
Degeneration of the nerve fibers due to lack of use.

An individual reports experiencing aching and tiredness during work that disappears with rest, with no reduction in performance. According to the stages of WMSDs, which stage is the individual most likely in?

Intermediate Stage
Late Stage
Early Stage (correct)
Chronic Stage

In tendons lacking sheaths, like those in the shoulder, what mechanical process leads to tendonitis?

Repetitive tension causing micro-tears, thickening, and inflammation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential long-term outcome of WMSDs if they are left unaddressed?

Irreversible damage and chronic dysfunction. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is LEAST likely to contribute to the development of a WMSD?

Maintaining varied postures throughout the workday. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason prolonged muscle contractions can lead to WMSDs?

Reduced blood flow leads to an accumulation of irritating substances. (B) Signup and view all the answers

An office worker is experiencing wrist pain. Which of the following workstation adjustments would BEST address a job-related risk factor for WMSDs?

Using a wrist rest to reduce pressure on the wrists. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How might cold temperatures contribute to an increased risk of WMSDs?

By slowing reaction time and increasing muscle stiffness. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios presents the HIGHEST risk for developing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)?

Daily use of a jackhammer with minimal breaks. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A construction worker needs to lift heavy materials. Which of the following actions would reduce the risk of a WMSD?

Using proper lifting techniques and requesting assistance when needed. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST effective way to minimize the risk of WMSDs caused by static work?

Taking frequent short breaks and changing positions regularly. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following personal risk factors has a direct impact on workstation and tool design?

Body size and proportions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A worker reports pain and swelling in their wrist and shoulder, which worsens with repetitive motions. Which condition is MOST likely indicated by these symptoms and occupational risk factors?

Tendonitis/Tenosynovitis (A) Signup and view all the answers

An electrician frequently performs forceful forearm rotations while bending their wrist to connect wires. Which condition are they MOST at risk of developing?

Epicondylitis (Elbow Tendonitis) (C) Signup and view all the answers

A seamstress experiences pain, numbness, and tingling in her fingers, along with a burning sensation in her hand and dry palms. Her job involves repetitive wrist motions and strong gripping. What condition is MOST consistent with these symptoms and risk factors?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (C) Signup and view all the answers

A warehouse worker spends much of their shift lifting and twisting boxes. Which of the following conditions are they at the HIGHEST risk of developing?

Lower Back Pain (C) Signup and view all the answers

A construction worker frequently uses a jackhammer. Which condition is MOST associated with the prolonged use of vibrating tools?

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) (B) Signup and view all the answers

A librarian is experiencing neck pain due to maintaining a consistent, head-down posture while cataloging books. Which of the following conditions is MOST likely causing their discomfort?

Tension Neck Syndrome (B) Signup and view all the answers

A delivery driver is experiencing numbness, tingling, and swelling in their hands after carrying heavy packages on their shoulder throughout the day. Which condition is MOST likely indicated by these symptoms and occupational factors?

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (B) Signup and view all the answers

A factory worker whose job involves repetitive hand twisting and forceful gripping complains of pain at the base of their thumb. Which condition are they MOST likely experiencing?

De Quervain’s Disease (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains why static muscle effort leads to fatigue and pain more quickly than dynamic effort?

Static effort restricts blood flow, causing a buildup of metabolic waste and oxygen deprivation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In a scenario where a worker is assembling small electronic components, which action would most likely involve a significant static muscular effort?

Maintaining a bent-forward posture to view components through a microscope. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does dynamic muscular effort increase blood supply to the muscle?

The alternating contraction and relaxation of the muscle fibers act as a pump, increasing blood flow. (C) Signup and view all the answers

For a job requiring prolonged standing, which of the following strategies would be MOST effective in minimizing the risks associated with static muscle effort?

Taking frequent short breaks to sit or walk around. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How can prolonged static effort lead to a raised heart rate?

The accumulation of waste products and the lack of oxygen trigger a stress response in the body. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Consider a manufacturing task that involves both static and dynamic work. Which adjustment would MOST effectively reduce the risk of WMSDs?

Ensure proper posture with adjustable equipment to reduce static effort. (B) Signup and view all the answers

An employee is required to hold their arms above shoulder height for extended periods during the workday. Which of the following is the MOST likely consequence of this?

Increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between isotonic and isometric muscular effort?

Isotonic effort involves muscle contraction with movement, while isometric effort involves muscle tension without movement. (D) Signup and view all the answers

An individual with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) reports that their symptoms are significantly worse at night. What is the MOST likely reason for this phenomenon?

Fluid accumulation in the wrist increases while lying down, leading to greater compression of the median nerve. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with numbness and tingling in their thumb, index, and middle fingers, along with weakness in grip strength. Given these symptoms, which nerve is MOST likely affected?

Median nerve (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the listed work-related activities would pose the GREATEST risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)?

Repetitive assembly work involving forceful gripping and awkward wrist postures. (A) Signup and view all the answers

A 55-year-old female reports symptoms consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Which combination of factors would MOST strongly suggest a diagnosis of CTS?

History of thyroid dysfunction, symptoms worsening at night, and positive Phalen's test. (C) Signup and view all the answers

During a physical examination for suspected carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a physician elicits tingling in the patient's fingers by tapping over the median nerve at the wrist. Which diagnostic test is being performed?

Tinel's test (D) Signup and view all the answers

A pregnant woman in her third trimester presents with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of her CTS?

Fluid retention (C) Signup and view all the answers

Nerve conduction studies are performed on a patient suspected of having carpal tunnel syndrome. What is the PRIMARY purpose of these studies in diagnosing CTS?

To measure the speed of electrical impulses through the median nerve. (B) Signup and view all the answers

An employee is diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. Beyond ergonomic adjustments, what additional workplace intervention would be MOST beneficial in managing the employee's condition and preventing its recurrence?

Job rotation to reduce repetitive hand motions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are wrist splints commonly recommended as a non-surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome?

To keep the wrist in a neutral position, reducing pressure on the median nerve. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of carpal tunnel release surgery?

To relieve pressure on the median nerve. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor that can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?

Prolonged or repetitive gripping and computer use with poor ergonomics. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In cases where non-surgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome have not provided relief, what is the typical next step in treatment?

Surgical intervention to release the transverse carpal ligament. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does maintaining a neutral wrist position help in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome?

It minimizes pressure on the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic method directly assesses the function of the median nerve and can help confirm a diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Electromyography (EMG). (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why might an endoscopic carpal tunnel release be preferred over an open carpal tunnel release?

It typically results in faster recovery and less post-operative pain. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Besides wrist pain, what other symptoms might lead a doctor to suspect carpal tunnel syndrome?

Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does early intervention contribute to the management of carpal tunnel syndrome?

It can prevent the progression of the condition and reduce the need for surgical intervention. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of activity modification in the non-surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome?

To change or avoid activities that worsen symptoms, reducing strain on the wrist. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

WMSDs

Injuries and disorders affecting muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints, often caused by repetitive motions or sustained awkward postures.

Isotonic (Dynamic) Effort

Muscle contraction and relaxation with movement; increases blood flow and facilitates work.