Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 93%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
The nurse caring for a child who has been put into a leg cast must be on alert for signs of nerve and muscle damage.Which symptom might be an early warning signal that the child has developed compartment syndrome?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Increasing severe pain is an early sign of compartment syndrome due to pressure within the muscle compartment, requiring urgent reporting. Blue nail beds (A) indicate cyanosis, a weak femoral pulse (B) suggests arterial issues, and inability to plantarflex (C) is less specific than pain.