A 34-year-old male patient is being flown to your facility following a car accident. He has significant swelling and pain in his right lower leg, which is out of proportion to injuries seen on X-ray. His pedal pulse is present but weak, and his skin is taut and shiny. What is the appropriate next step in managing this patient to prevent further complications?
The correct answer is to measure the compartment pressures. When clinical signs and symptoms suggest compartment syndrome, confirming the diagnosis through pressure measurement is crucial. A compartment pressure greater than 30 mm Hg often indicates the need for fasciotomy. Simply elevating the limb, administering analgesics, or waiting for further signs can delay necessary treatment and increase the risk of irreversible damage.
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