Page 2112 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

neurovascular impairment.
c. Neurovascular damage may be
irreversible if not treated within 4 to 6
hours after the onset of compartment
syndrome.
2. Assessment
a. Unrelieved or increased pain in the
limb
b. Tissue that is distal to the involved area
becomes pale, dusky, or edematous.
c. Pain with passive movement
d. Loss of sensation (paresthesia)
e. Pulselessness (a late sign)
3. Interventions
a. Notify the PHCP immediately and
prepare to assist the PHCP.
b. Continue to elevate the affected
extremity.
c. If severe, assist the PHCP with
fasciotomy to relieve pressure and
restore tissue perfusion.
d. Loosen tight dressings or bivalve
restrictive cast as prescribed.
D. Infection and osteomyelitis
1. Description: Infection and osteomyelitis (inflammatory
response in bone tissue) can be caused by the
introduction of organisms into bones leading to
localized bone infection.
2. Assessment
a. Tachycardia and fever (usually above
101° F [38.3° C]).
b. Erythema and pain in the area
surrounding the infection
c. Leukocytosis and elevated erythrocyte
sedimentation rate (ESR)
d. Confirmed by radiographic assessment,
such as plain radiographs, MRI, or
bone scan
3. Interventions
a. Notify the PHCP.
b. Prepare to initiate aggressive, long-term
IV antibiotic therapy. A central venous
access line will likely be required.
c. Surgery is performed for resistant
osteomyelitis with sequestrectomy
and/or bone grafts.
d. For unrelenting infection and
osteomyelitis, hyperbaric oxygen

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