Define compartment syndrome and identify two early warning signs.

• A. Elevated pressure within a closed fascial compartment leading to ischemia; early signs include severe pain out of proportion, pain with passive stretch, paresthesias, pallor
• B. Reduced blood flow from arterial occlusion; signs include fever and swelling
• C. Nerve entrapment with numbness in a dermatomal pattern
• D. Muscle strain with localized tenderness

Answer: (A)