A nurse is preparing a community presentation about repetitive motion injuries. Which of the following occupations should the nurse identify as increasing a client’s risk for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Choice A reason: Joint pain with swelling is the correct answer, because it is a common symptom of SLE. SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues, such as the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. Joint pain with swelling is caused by the inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the joints, which can lead to stiffness, reduced mobility, and deformity.

Choice B reason: Intense wrinkles is not the correct answer, because it is not a symptom of SLE. Intense wrinkles are a cosmetic issue that affects the appearance of the skin, not the function of the organs or tissues. Intense wrinkles are caused by the loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin, which can result from aging, sun exposure, smoking, or dehydration.

Choice C reason: Raynaud's phenomenon is not the correct answer, because it is not a symptom of SLE. Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that affects the blood flow to the fingers and toes, not the joints or other organs. Raynaud's phenomenon is caused by the narrowing of the small arteries that supply blood to the extremities, which can result from cold, stress, or other factors.

Choice D reason: Tachycardia is not the correct answer, because it is not a symptom of SLE. Tachycardia is a condition that affects the heart rate, not the joints or other organs. Tachycardia is caused by the abnormal electrical activity of the heart, which can result from anxiety, fever, infection, or other causes.

Choice A reason: Truck driver is not an occupation that increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, because it does not involve repetitive or forceful flexion or extension of the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, is compressed or irritated by inflammation, swelling, or pressure. Truck drivers may experience other musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain, due to prolonged sitting, vibration, or poor posture.

Choice B reason: Nursing assistant is an occupation that increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, but it is not the best answer, because it involves other factors besides repetitive motion that can contribute to the condition. Nursing assistants may perform repetitive tasks, such as lifting, transferring, or bathing patients, that can strain the wrist and the median nerve. However, they may also experience other risk factors, such as trauma, infection, arthritis, or pregnancy, that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

Choice C reason: Elementary school teacher is not an occupation that increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, because it does not involve repetitive or forceful flexion or extension of the wrist. Elementary school teachers may perform some tasks, such as writing, typing, or grading papers, that can involve wrist movement, but they are not likely to be frequent or intense enough to cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Elementary school teachers may experience other stressrelated problems, such as headaches, fatigue, or burnout, due to the demands of their work.

Choice D reason: Assembly line worker is the best answer, because it is an occupation that increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, due to the nature and duration of the work. Assembly line workers may perform repetitive, forceful, or awkward movements of the wrist, such as twisting, bending, or gripping, that can cause compression or irritation of the median nerve. Assembly line workers may also work for long hours, with little rest or variation, that can exacerbate the condition.