which of the following assessment findings should alert the emt that a patient with a closed lower extremity…

which of the following assessment findings should alert the emt that a patient with a closed lower extremity fracture is developing compartment syndrome?\na) the pain is greater than one would expect for the injury.\n\nb) the extremity becomes increasingly warmer and pinker.\n\nc) the pain subsides during passive stretch of the extremity.\n\nd) distal pulses are bounding and reflexes are hyperactive.

which of the following assessment findings should alert the emt that a patient with a closed lower extremity fracture is developing compartment syndrome?\na) the pain is greater than one would expect for the injury.\n\nb) the extremity becomes increasingly warmer and pinker.\n\nc) the pain subsides during passive stretch of the extremity.\n\nd) distal pulses are bounding and reflexes are hyperactive.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option based on compartment syndrome knowledge:

  • Option A: Compartment syndrome causes severe pain out of proportion to the injury due to increased pressure in muscle compartments, so this is a key sign.
  • Option B: In compartment syndrome, the extremity typically becomes cool and pale (due to compromised circulation), not warmer and pinker. Eliminate B.
  • Option C: Pain in compartment syndrome worsens with passive stretch (not subsides), as stretching the muscles in the compressed compartment increases pain. Eliminate C.
  • Option D: Distal pulses are usually diminished or absent, and reflexes are hypoactive (not bounding/hyperactive) due to nerve and vascular compromise. Eliminate D.

Answer:

A) The pain is greater than one would expect for the injury.