Compartment syndrome
NCLEX-RN glossary · Basic Care And Comfort
Definition
A surgical emergency caused by increased pressure within a muscle compartment that impairs local circulation and nerve function.
Compartment syndrome in plain English
It requires immediate recognition and rapid escalation to prevent permanent tissue necrosis and loss of the limb. The main trap is treating escalating pain with analgesics without performing a priority neurovascular assessment for cues of ischemia.
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