Common Conditions of the Hand for the Nurse Practitioner: How to Diagnose, How to Manage, and When to Refer to a Hand Surgeon.

In many parts of the United States, a plastics-trained hand surgeon can be in limited supply. Depending on individual state law, nurse practitioners can manage common and moderately complex hand conditions, the undertaking of which requires extensive training, high command of the anatomy, and knowing when referral is necessary.

A closer look at hand and wrist complaints.

Hand or wrist pain is a common complaint in primary care. This pain can be very disabling and can significantly impair a person's quality of life. With the appropriate clinical knowledge and skills, nurse practitioners can effectively evaluate, diagnose, and treat many of the common hand and wrist complaints seen in primary care.