College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

During a neurological assessment, which UPR limb nerve is tested when neurological symptoms are recreated by the movements described?

1. Right ulnar nerve

2. Right median nerve

3. Right radial nerve

4. Left radial nerve

The correct answer is: Right radial nerve

The correct choice for this question is the right radial nerve. During a neurological assessment, specific movements can help identify issues with particular nerves based on the areas they innervate and the resulting symptoms. The radial nerve is primarily responsible for innervating the extensor muscles of the forearm, which in turn control the extension of the wrist and fingers. If a patient exhibits neurological symptoms such as weakness in wrist extension or the inability to extend the fingers, these symptoms can be reproduced by specific movements that stress the radial nerve. In contrast, the ulnar nerve mainly innervates the muscles of the hand and controls finger abduction and adduction, while the median nerve is involved in the flexor muscles of the forearm and the sensation of the thumb, index, and middle finger. The left radial nerve would not be tested during an assessment of the right upper extremity, focusing instead on the corresponding side. By establishing a connection between the movements tested and the neurological symptoms, the radial nerve can be highlighted as the critical nerve in this scenario.