In compartment syndrome care, which action directly helps relieve external pressure?

• A. Assist with splitting the cast
• B. Monitor urine output
• C. Evaluate pain using a pain scale
• D. Apply splints to the injured part

Answer: (A)

Relieving external pressure quickly is the priority in compartment syndrome because ongoing compression can cut off blood flow and damage nerves and muscles. If a tight cast is the source of that pressure, the most direct and effective action is to loosen or split the cast to relieve constriction. This simple step allows swelling to expand and restores perfusion, potentially preventing irreversible injury and the need for surgical intervention.

Other actions, like monitoring urine output, focus on downstream effects such as kidney perfusion or rhabdomyolysis risk and do not address the immediate mechanical compression. Assessing pain on a scale helps gauge severity but doesn’t relieve pressure. Applying splints to the injured part can add external confinement and worsen the situation, not alleviate it.