Final answer:
The nurse should recognize paresthesia as an indication of compartment syndrome in a client with a short leg cast. This condition entails increased pressure that compromises circulation, with symptoms including pain, paresthesias, and potential loss of pulses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should identify paresthesia as a manifestation of compartment syndrome in a client who has a short leg cast. Compartment syndrome occurs when there is increased pressure within a confined anatomical space, compromising the circulation and function of the tissues within that space. Early signs of compartment syndrome include pain out of proportion to the injury, pain with passive stretching of the muscles, pallor, paresthesias, and eventual loss of pulses if the condition is not treated promptly. Decreased pain might not typically be associated with compartment syndrome, increased capillary refill could indicate proper circulation thus meaning it is less likely associated with compartment syndrome, and warm skin might not be applicable when there is an underlying circulation issue.
- Increased vascular permeability leads to the redness of inflammation, not directly related to compartment syndrome.
- Fever is not a cardinal sign of inflammation in the context of compartment syndrome.
- Nociception responds to injured stimuli which can be associated with the pain in compartment syndrome.
- An increased activity in the stratum lucidum is related to skin regeneration and healing, not specifically compartment syndrome.