Which preventive measure can be employed to decrease the risk of compartment syndrome?
A- The administration of a potassium sparing diuretic for heart failure
B- A bivalve cast for a skeletal fracture
C- A cerebral diuretic to decease intracranial pressure after a head injury
D- A chest tube to restore normal intrathoracic pressure after a pneumothorax
Correct Response: B
A bivalve cast, rather than a solid fiberglass or plaster of Paris cast, for a skeletal fracture can prevent limb threatening compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome results from increased pressure and circulatory constriction because a solid cast does not accommodate post fracture swelling like a bivalve cast does. Compartment syndrome is not related to heart failure, head injuries or pneumothoraxes.
A- The administration of a potassium sparing diuretic for heart failure
B- A bivalve cast for a skeletal fracture
C- A cerebral diuretic to decease intracranial pressure after a head injury
D- A chest tube to restore normal intrathoracic pressure after a pneumothorax
Correct Response: B
A bivalve cast, rather than a solid fiberglass or plaster of Paris cast, for a skeletal fracture can prevent limb threatening compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome results from increased pressure and circulatory constriction because a solid cast does not accommodate post fracture swelling like a bivalve cast does. Compartment syndrome is not related to heart failure, head injuries or pneumothoraxes.
