Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

Pain out of proportion to the injury is the earliest and most reliable clinical sign of compartment syndrome. This severe pain often occurs before the development of other classic signs like paresthesia, pallor, or pulselessness. It's crucial for emergency nurses to recognize this early indicator, as compartment syndrome can lead to permanent tissue damage if not addressed promptly. While swelling and decreased range of motion are common in many injuries, they are not specific to compartment syndrome. Absent pulses are a late sign and indicate severe progression of the condition.