A patient undergoes cast placement for a fractured left radius. The nurse should suspect compartment syndrome if the patient experiences pain that:
A) Intensifies with the elevation of the left arm.
B) Disappears with the flexion of the left arm.
C) Increases with the arm in a dependent position.
D) Radiates up the arm to the left scapula.
Ans: A
Feedback: The most common symptom of compartment syndrome is pain that results from ischemia. Elevating the limb reduces circulation, worsens the ischemia, and intensifies the pain. Options B and C are incorrect because these positions don't alter the pain of compartment syndrome. Option D is incorrect because the pain of compartment syndrome doesn't radiate up the arm to the scapula.
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