You are in a transport scenario involving a 34-year-old male patient who suffered a severe crush injury to his right leg in a construction accident. The patient is experiencing increasing pain and swelling despite stabilization. Which action should you take to assess for the possibility of compartment syndrome?
The correct answer is to measure the intracompartmental pressure. Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure within a closed muscle compartment rises to a level that decreases perfusion, leading to muscle and nerve damage. Measuring the pressure directly confirms the diagnosis. Monitoring swelling and pain are important but are not definitive assessments for compartment syndrome. Checking for pedal pulses, while essential in assessing circulatory status, does not exclude the presence of compartment syndrome since pulses can still be present despite increased compartment pressure.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is compartment syndrome and how does it occur?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
How is intracompartmental pressure measured?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are the signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
BCEN CFRN
Trauma
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access