What are the symptoms of compartment syndrome?

• A. Pain, Pallor, Paresthesia, Pulselessness, Paralysis
• B. Pressure, Pallor, Palsy, Pulmonary cough, Palpitation
• C. Pain, Pallor, Palpitations, Pulse deficit, Paralysis
• D. Pressure, Pain, Pink skin, Paresthesia, Pulselessness

Answer: (A)

Compartment syndrome happens when swelling inside a closed facial compartment raises pressure enough to cut off blood flow and nerve function. The classic signs are the five Ps: Pain, Pallor, Paresthesias, Pulselessness, and Paralysis. Pain is typically out of proportion to exam and worsens with passive movement. Paresthesias arise from nerve ischemia, and pallor reflects reduced perfusion. Pulselessness and paralysis appear late, signaling advanced ischemia and the need for urgent intervention to prevent irreversible damage. Other options include signs that don’t fit this condition, such as pulmonary symptoms or pink skin, which aren’t characteristic of compartment syndrome.