During upper-extremity wound assessment, which nerve is tested by sensation at the volar tip of the little finger?

During upper-extremity wound assessment, which nerve is tested by sensation at the volar tip of the little finger?

• A. Median
• B. Ulnar
• C. Radial
• D. Axillary

Answer: (B)

Testing sensation in specific fingertip areas maps which nerve is carrying sensation in the hand. The volar tip of the little finger is supplied by the palmar digital branches of the ulnar nerve, so this spot directly assesses ulnar nerve function. The median nerve covers the thumb to the radial half of the ring finger on the palm, the radial nerve covers the dorsolateral hand, and the axillary nerve supplies skin over the deltoid region. Therefore, sensation at the volar tip of the little finger best confirms ulnar nerve integrity.

Testing sensation in specific fingertip areas maps which nerve is carrying sensation in the hand. The volar tip of the little finger is supplied by the palmar digital branches of the ulnar nerve, so this spot directly assesses ulnar nerve function. The median nerve covers the thumb to the radial half of the ring finger on the palm, the radial nerve covers the dorsolateral hand, and the axillary nerve supplies skin over the deltoid region. Therefore, sensation at the volar tip of the little finger best confirms ulnar nerve integrity.