A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is in the emergency department (ED) following a ski accident. For each finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with acute compartment syndrome, infection, and/or fat embolism syndrome. Each finding might support more than 1 disease process.

• Dyspnea: Dyspnea is a hallmark sign of fat embolism syndrome, which can occur after long bone fractures such as a tibial fracture. Fat globules enter circulation, causing respiratory distress, hypoxia, and altered mental status. • Increased pain at incision site: Severe, unrelieved pain is an early indicator of acute compartment syndrome due to increased pressure within the fascia. Pain can also indicate infection if accompanied by local inflammatory changes. • Tingling sensation to right foot: Paresthesia, such as tingling or numbness, reflects nerve compression from elevated compartment pressure and is an early neurovascular sign of acute compartment syndrome. • Swelling at incision site: Swelling that is taut or tense is a key indicator of acute compartment syndrome. Swelling can also signal local infection due to inflammation, erythema, or fluid accumulation around the incision.