Nerve injuries: card test: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Nerve injuries: card test

Sample item

A patient is asked to hold a card between two extended adjacent fingers while the examiner pulls it away. The card slips out easily. Which muscles and nerve are weak?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Palmar interossei; ulnar nerve

The card test assesses adduction of the fingers, which is performed by the palmar interossei supplied by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve. A weak grip on the card indicates ulnar nerve palsy. The dorsal interossei abduct the fingers and are also ulnar supplied.

Option by option

  • A. Dorsal interossei; radial nerve

    Dorsal interossei are supplied by the ulnar nerve and not the radial nerve.

  • B. Opponens pollicis; median nerve

    Opponens pollicis acts on the thumb and is not tested here.

  • C. Palmar interossei; ulnar nerve (correct)

    Correct. Weak card grip shows palmar interosseous and ulnar nerve weakness.

  • D. Lumbricals; median nerve

    The lumbricals flex the metacarpophalangeal joints and do not grip a card.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, Palmar interossei; ulnar nerve. The card test assesses adduction of the fingers, which is performed by the palmar interossei supplied by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve.

Why is "Dorsal interossei; radial nerve" not the answer?

Dorsal interossei are supplied by the ulnar nerve and not the radial nerve.

Why is "Opponens pollicis; median nerve" not the answer?

Opponens pollicis acts on the thumb and is not tested here.

Why is "Lumbricals; median nerve" not the answer?

The lumbricals flex the metacarpophalangeal joints and do not grip a card.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nerve injuries: card test in Orthopaedics. A weak grip on the card indicates ulnar nerve palsy. The dorsal interossei abduct the fingers and are also ulnar supplied.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Nerve injuries: card test?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.