Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) Practice Exam

What are the dermatomes associated with the T10 level?

1. Arms

2. Chest

3. Umbilicus

4. Groin

The correct answer is: Umbilicus

The T10 dermatome is specifically associated with the sensation around the umbilicus. Dermatomes are areas of skin that are mainly supplied by a single spinal nerve root, and each thoracic nerve root corresponds to a particular segment on the body. At the T10 spinal level, the sensory innervation includes the area that typically encompasses the region of the umbilicus. Understanding this connection is important for clinical assessments, particularly in cases of abdominal surgery or trauma, helping healthcare professionals localize potential nerve damage or assess conditions affecting the thoracic spine. The other areas mentioned are supplied by different spinal nerve levels, which is why they do not correspond to the T10 level. Thus, recognizing the specific dermatome distribution aids in effective diagnostics and treatment planning in critical care settings.