Which assessment finding would prompt the Rn to suspect compartment syndrome in a patient with a long leg cast?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can occur when increased pressure within a muscle compartment impairs blood supply, leading to tissue ischemia and potential necrosis. Symptoms of compartment syndrome include severe, unrelieved pain that is disproportionate to the injury, as well as pain with passive stretch of the affected muscles. This pain is often described as deep, constant, and out of proportion to physical findings. Other signs that may indicate compartment syndrome include pallor, pulselessness, paresthesia, and paralysis, but the most specific and early sign is severe, unrelieved pain. While weak movement of the patient's toes and decreased pedal pulses can also be seen in compartment syndrome, they are not as specific or early indicators as severe, unrelieved pain.