A 22-year-old male presents to the emergency department after a motor vehicle accident, complaining of severe pain in his lower leg, which is significantly out of proportion to the apparent injury. On examination, the leg appears swollen and pale, and the patient reports numbness. Which intervention should be prioritized to address the suspected diagnosis of compartment syndrome?
Performing a fasciotomy
Monitoring without immediate intervention
Administering analgesics
Providing reassurance and waiting for a few hours