Compartment Syndrome and Lower Leg Fracture: Nursing Management and Pharmacological Interventions

Oral presentation on
compartment syndrome
followed by a lower leg
fracture

Scenario
Mr X is an 88 years old man who lives in a home on his own. While using
the toilet she had suffered from a fall and was admitted in to the
emergency department with acute pain in the lower limb. Further
examination revealed a fracture in the lower leg. Mr. X denied the use of
alcohol or drugs, his initial vital signs were pulse of 76 beats per minute,
oral temperature of 36.8 degree , blood pressure of 144/96 mmHg, room
air pulse oximetry of 100%, respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute.
Right leg revealed it to be firm and tender to palpation and measured 4 cm
larger in the circumference than the left leg. The radial pulse was palpable
and the fingertip capillary refill was less than two seconds. The skin was
reddish and swollen with no overlying erythema.

Psychological factors and the person’s perception of
their own illness/condition
• The patient is elderly and lives all alone, therefore he might develop
mental or emotional distress.
• The patient might feel discomfort with the casts and the splints.
• Having a cast means that many of the tasks and activities would be
compromised.
• The patient might need a home support that can destroy the self-
confidence and independence of the patient.
• Keeping a home based care giver may also cause financial burden
on the patient.