A tight cast, a traumatic hit, or even intense exercise can set off a silent emergency: compartment syndrome. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, walks you through this surgical emergency that every nurse must recognize—and act on—fast.
You’ll learn why increased pressure in a closed muscle compartment can cut off circulation, leading to ischemia and permanent tissue damage in just hours. From the "6 Ps" of poor perfusion to the critical moment where a fasciotomy saves the limb, this episode brings the pathophysiology to life with vivid explanations and real-world scenarios.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
The anatomy behind compartment syndrome
Early warning signs—especially pain out of proportion
Causes ranging from fractures to tight casts
What “time is tissue” really means and when to call the OR
A clinical case of a rugby injury that nearly ended in muscle death
Whether you’re preparing for the NCLEX or the trauma bay, this episode gives you the clinical judgment and confidence to act fast and save tissue.
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