BCEN CFRN Practice Question

The correct answer is to measure the intracompartmental pressure. Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure within a closed muscle compartment rises to a level that decreases perfusion, leading to muscle and nerve damage. Measuring the pressure directly confirms the diagnosis. Monitoring swelling and pain are important but are not definitive assessments for compartment syndrome. Checking for pedal pulses, while essential in assessing circulatory status, does not exclude the presence of compartment syndrome since pulses can still be present despite increased compartment pressure.