A 22-year-old male presents to the emergency department with severe pain and swelling in his lower leg following a motorcycle accident. Despite administration of analgesics, the patient reports excruciating pain that is out of proportion to the initial injury. Physical examination reveals a tense, swollen leg that is painful on passive stretching of the toes. The emergency nurse recognizes these signs as indicative of which condition, and understands immediate intervention is crucial to prevent permanent damage?
Cellulitis
Compartment syndrome
Deep vein thrombosis
Fracture requiring an x-ray