106 Unit 1 Introduction to Healthcare Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. A good wrist support should be available to keep your wrists as straight as possible. The support should have rounded edges and padding, and should be about two inches high. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a progres- sively painful hand and arm condition caused by a pinched nerve in the wrist. This condition can be prevented, or lessened, by maintaining a proper wrist position while operating a computer keyboard. The fi ngers should be lower than the wrist. carpal tunnel syndrome a painful, progressive hand and arm condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist can be caused when wrists are not supported during keyboard use 65 - 75 cm (26 - 30 in) 38 - 53 cm (15 - 21 in) min 90˚ 90˚ 50 cm (20 in) min 80 cm (31 in) Table height Chair height Distance from chair to back of desk Angle of legs in relation to chair Angle of torso in relation to chair Distance from eyes to screen Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 4.9 If you must spend many hours at a computer station, make sure your work station is set up as shown here. Observing proper ergonomic principles can help you avoid painful conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Real Life Scenario Real Life Scenario Laura has been an administrative assistant in the radiology department at Eastridge Hospital for four years. Laura spends a significant amount of time working on the computer, and was recently diagnosed with repetitive strain injury (RSI). Her condition is caused by the repetitive motion of keyboarding and sitting in one position for long periods of time in front of a computer. Laura’s back and neck ache on the job, and she feels more and more fatigued as her condition worsens. Recently she has been experiencing shooting pains up and down her back. Laura’s doctor suggested that she take a short walk every hour or whenever possible at work, stretching her neck, back, and fingers. Apply It 1. Do you spend significant time sitting at a computer or a desk? 2. What activities in addition to the ones mentioned above could you do to avoid RSI? 3. What actions are recommended to travelers who are on a plane for several hours to avoid discomfort? Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)