Pinky finger issue

[SaderNurse05, BSN, RN]

Does anyone know the appropriate name for the pinky finger? I had a patient today that I treated for an injury, and when I was charting I realized that "left pinky finger" was a bit lacking:uhoh3:... BTW any good basic Anatomy refences would be appreciated as well.

[donsterRN, ASN, BSN]

I have no idea!

I don't think I learned a specific name for the specific finger. I've always just referred to it as the L or R 5th finger.

[Annor]

I call it left fifth digit

Does anyone know the appropriate name for the pinky finger? I had a patient today that I treated for an injury, and when I was charting I realized that "left pinky finger" was a bit lacking:uhoh3:... BTW any good basic Anatomy refences would be appreciated as well.

[Annor]

I call it left fifth digit

Does anyone know the appropriate name for the pinky finger? I had a patient today that I treated for an injury, and when I was charting I realized that "left pinky finger" was a bit lacking:uhoh3:... BTW any good basic Anatomy refences would be appreciated as well.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

I googled it . . .

So far I've found "little finger" (which is what I call it), baby finger, anti-thumb, fifth finger, or fourth finger (if you don't count the thumb as a finger).

steph

[regularRN]

I say "This little finger on the right (or left)" - you know, like the rhyme... "One, two, three, four, five once I caught a fish a-live. Which finger did it bite? This little finger on the right".

[leslie :-D]

thumb, index, middle, ring and little finger.

or how about 5th metatarpal?

leslie

[ebear, BSN, RN]

Left 5th metacarpal

ebear

[kcalohagirl]

However, wouldn't the finger be a phalange rather than a metacarpal?

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

Yep, the finger is a phalanx.

I just say L 5th finger. It's easier. :)

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

However, wouldn't the finger be a phalange rather than a metacarpal?

You'll see phalange as acceptable in some sources, but even better is phalanx. (singular phalanx, plural phalanges)

[ERGirl83]

In my anatomy class we can only say "5th Digit," "little finger," or "digitus minimus." Never pinky finger....

And the finger isn't "a phalanx," the 5th digit contains THREE phalanges, a proximal, middle and distal phalanx....

Can you tell my anatomy professors are SUPER anal?