The nurse is concerned about compartmental syndrome in an 8-year-old client with a greenstick fracture. For what will the nurse teach the mother to observe?
1. Swelling and discoloration of the hand distal to the fracture site
2. Hematoma formation and pain in the upper arm and shoulders
3. Severe pain radiating proximal to the cast and fracture area
4. Decreased sensation and decreased ability to move the fingers of the affected hand
Answer: 4
Indications of compartmental syndrome include pain, decreased sensation and decreased mobility in the extremity distal to the fracture/cast, decreased or loss of pulse distal to injury, skin cool to touch and blanched in color in an area distal to the fracture/cast. Swelling and discoloration commonly occur as a result of the bruising of the injury. Usually no symptoms are proximal to the fracture site.
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