Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Which of the following describes paresthesia?

1. Numbness and weakness

2. Tingling and burning sensations

3. Loss of coordination

4. Severe muscle spasms

The correct answer is: Tingling and burning sensations

Paresthesia is characterized by sensations that are often described as tingling, pins and needles, or a burning feeling. This phenomenon occurs when there is irritation or damage to the nerves, which can arise from various causes, such as neuropathy, pressure on nerves, or systemic conditions. The sensations can happen in different parts of the body and are typically transient, although they can also persist in some conditions. The other options, while describing various neurological or muscular issues, do not accurately capture the essence of paresthesia. Numbness and weakness generally indicate a loss of sensory function or muscle power, which is distinct from the sensory discomfort that defines paresthesia. Loss of coordination refers more to an inability to manage voluntary movements effectively rather than abnormal sensory perception. Severe muscle spasms are involuntary muscle contractions and do not relate to the abnormal sensations described by paresthesia. Thus, the option that best describes the experience of paresthesia is indeed the one that highlights tingling and burning sensations.