During the Phalen's Test, the patient's palms should face in which direction?

During the Phalen's Test, the patient's palms should face away from each other. This test is primarily used to assess for carpal tunnel syndrome by compressing the median nerve as the wrists are flexed. When the palms are turned away, it allows for maximal wrist flexion, which can exacerbate symptoms associated with median nerve compression, such as tingling or numbness in the fingers. This positioning is critical for properly evaluating the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome, as it takes advantage of the anatomical structures involved in the condition. Understanding this technique is significant for effective clinical assessment in conditions affecting the wrist and hand.