Compartment Syndrome — NCLEX Cheat Sheet
Pain out of proportion = emergency
👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team
🕐 Updated 2026-07-11
🏷️ Physiological Adaptation
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Compartment Syndrome on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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- ↑pressure in compartment
- blocks blood flow → tissue death
- from cast, crush, swelling
- PAIN out of proportion, ↑w/ stretch
- unrelieved by opioids = KEY
- paresthesia, pallor, pulselessness
- notify provider IMMEDIATELY
- loosen/bivalve cast, remove dressing
- keep limb at HEART level (not elevate)
- do NOT elevate above heart
- do NOT apply ice/cold
- fasciotomy if severe
✨Quick Tip
The hallmark sign is severe, deep, throbbing pain out of proportion to the injury and unrelieved by opioids.
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