Q-4 · Compartment Syndrome · trauma · A–E keys

A 19-year-old with a closed tibial shaft fracture has escalating pain, a tense anterior compartment, and severe pain with passive toe extension. Dorsalis pedis pulse is easily felt. The next step is:

• A.Reassure — a palpable pulse excludes compartment syndrome
• B.Elevate the limb well above the heart and recheck in the morning
• C.Treat as acute compartment syndrome; do not wait for pulselessness or a perfect pressure number
• D.Start therapeutic anticoagulation and observe