The nurse caring for a client after shoulder arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis monitors the client for brachial plexus compromise. To assess the status of the median nerve, which action would the nurse perform?

To assess the median nerve status, the client should be instructed to grasp the nurse's hand. The nurse should note the strength of the client's first and second fingers. A weak grip may indicate compromise of the median nerve. Asking the client to spread all fingers wide and resist pressure assesses the ulnar nerve status. Monitoring for flexion of the biceps by raising the forearm assesses the cutaneous nerve status. Asking the client to move the thumb toward the palm and back to neutral position assesses the radial nerve status.