Occupational health hazard: carpal tunnel syndrome.

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.