title: Occupational health hazard: carpal tunnel syndrome.
abstract: A significant portion of the American population today is exposed to computer-related illnesses. One of the most common injuries is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Perioperative nurses will become increasingly exposed to computer-related illnesses with the advent of computerized patient record systems. Economic loss, physical disability, and emotional distress are frequent outcomes of computer-related illnesses. Federal legislation addressing preventive measures is currently nonexistent. Clinicians, as both employers and consumers of computer technology, must address computer-related illnesses, such as CTS, through identification of related risk factors, early symptoms, implementation of ergonomic measures, and support of federal and industrial safety standards.
authors.affiliation: South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio 78234, USA.
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: D Z
authors.initials: DZ
authors.lastname: Mireles
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016288:Computer Terminals; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009871:Operating Room Nursing