title: Acute extremity compartment syndrome.
abstract: Acute Extremity Compartment Syndrome is a disorder, which can cause loss of limb if left untreated. Compartment syndrome develops when pressures within the fascial compartments become elevated, resulting in decreased perfusion to muscles and nerves. Left untreated, tissue death occurs. Rapid identification of clinical signs can decrease severity of symptoms. Diligent nursing assessment and monitoring of clinical signs, with communication to the physician, will facilitate rapid treatment by the physician. The primary treatment option is early identification and intervention through performance of a fasciotomy.
authors.affiliation: Trauma Program, Doctors Medical Center, Modesto, CA, USA.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tumbarello
mesh_terms: D003161:Compartment Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans