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Flashcards in Clinical skills: hand examination Deck (6)
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1
Q

What do we look for in the forearm and elbow?

A

Psoriatic plaques

Rheumatoid nodules

2
Q

What do we look for in the skin?

A

Thinning and bruising - use of steroids

Thickening (sclerodactyly) - systemic sclerosis

3
Q

What do we look for in the joints?

A
Ulnar deviation (at MCPs)
Swan neck / Boutonniere deformity (digits)
Z-shaped thumbs
4
Q

What do we look for in the nails?

A

Pitting and oncholysis (psoriasis)

Nailfold vasculitis

5
Q

What do we palpate in the hands?

A
  • Feel joints for warmth
  • Squeeze MCPs for tenderness
  • Palpate joints for synovitis (boggy) / osteoporosis (bony)
6
Q

How is hand function assessed?

A
  • Prayer & reverse (flexion / extension)
  • Make a fist
  • Pincer grip - pull
  • Fine pinch (pick up coin)
  • Tripod grip (hold pen)
  • Power grip (squeeze fingers)
  • Hook grip