A patient presents with severe pain in the forearm following a closed reduction of a fractured ulna. The pain worsens with passive movement, and the forearm appears swollen and tense. The patient describes the pain as out of proportion to the injury. Which of the following actions should the emergency nurse prioritize?
Give NSAIDs for the severe pain and reassess in 30 minutes.
Immediately prepare the patient for a fasciotomy to relieve pressure.
Immobilize the forearm and instruct the patient to keep it elevated.
Measure the compartment pressures of the affected forearm.
The patient's symptoms are suggestive of compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency. The priority is to measure the compartment pressures to confirm the diagnosis. Fasciotomy is not the immediate next step without confirming elevated compartment pressures. Administering NSAIDs is contraindicated as they may exacerbate bleeding and mask symptoms of increasing compartment pressure. Immobilization is essential in musculoskeletal injuries but would not be a priority over assessing for compartment syndrome in a patient with these symptoms.
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Musculoskeletal and Wound Emergencies
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