Patient case one and two
Somatosensory examination to evaluate central nervous system is indicated for both patients 1 and 2. They have both had a right middle cerebral artery stroke, which is likely to affect sensory as well as motor function. Consequently, testing for central nervous system involvement is essential. Patient 1 should also be assessed for somatosensory losses in peripheral nerve distributions secondary to peripheral neuropathies associated with diabetes.

Patient case three
Patient 3 does not require a somatosensory examination as the problem is in the cardiopulmonary system, and he has no history that would suggest a somatosensory disturbance.

Patient case four and five
Patients 4 and 5 should be evaluated from a dermatomal distribution perspective. Cervical osteoarthritis can result in compression of spinal nerves leading to sensory loss. In addition, patient 5 also has a right elbow fracture. The numbness in his fingers could be due to a peripheral nerve injury secondary to the fracture.