College

A client with a complete laceration of the ulnar nerve undergoes an occupational therapy evaluation. Which deformity is most likely to be observed and documented by the OTR during the evaluation?

a) Swan neck deformity
b) Claw hand deformity
c) Boutonniere deformity
d) Mallet finger deformity

Answer :

Final answer:

A complete laceration of the ulnar nerve is most likely to cause a claw hand deformity, a condition marked by a notable posture of the fourth and fifth fingers. So the correct answer is b) Claw hand deformity.

Explanation:

A client with a complete laceration of the ulnar nerve is most likely to exhibit a claw hand deformity during an occupational therapy evaluation. This condition, also referred to as 'ulnar claw,' is characterized by a distinctive hand posture where the fourth and fifth fingers are hyperextended at the metacarpophalangeal joints and flexed at the proximal interphalangeal joints due to the loss of intrinsic hand muscle function innervated by the ulnar nerve. The injury to the ulnar nerve affects muscle control and leads to this characteristic hand appearance.