Which set lists the five P's of compartment syndrome?

Which set lists the five P's of compartment syndrome?

• A. Pain, Pallor, Paresthesia, Pulselessness, Paralysis
• B. Pressure, Pallor, Paresthesia, Pulselessness, Paranoia
• C. Pain, Paleness, Paresthesia, Pulse, Paralysis
• D. Pain, Pallor, Pulsation, Paresthesia, Paralysis

Answer: (A)

In compartment syndrome, rising pressure inside a muscle compartment reduces blood flow, so the body shows a progression of signs that clinicians memorize. Pain is the first and most important clue—often out of proportion to exam findings and worsened by stretching the involved muscles. Paresthesias reflect nerve irritation from the pressure. Pallor appears as perfusion drops and the skin looks pale. Pulses may still be present early, but their loss indicates more severe ischemia and is a late finding. Paralysis is also a late sign, signaling significant muscle and nerve injury. The set that includes Pain, Pallor, Paresthesia, Pulselessness, and Paralysis matches these classic signs in correct terms and order of appearance, making it the best match. The other sets include nonclinical items or use terms that aren’t standard parts of the five P framework (for example, a nonmedical symptom, or using pulse or pulsation instead of pulselessness).

In compartment syndrome, rising pressure inside a muscle compartment reduces blood flow, so the body shows a progression of signs that clinicians memorize. Pain is the first and most important clue—often out of proportion to exam findings and worsened by stretching the involved muscles. Paresthesias reflect nerve irritation from the pressure. Pallor appears as perfusion drops and the skin looks pale. Pulses may still be present early, but their loss indicates more severe ischemia and is a late finding. Paralysis is also a late sign, signaling significant muscle and nerve injury.

The set that includes Pain, Pallor, Paresthesia, Pulselessness, and Paralysis matches these classic signs in correct terms and order of appearance, making it the best match. The other sets include nonclinical items or use terms that aren’t standard parts of the five P framework (for example, a nonmedical symptom, or using pulse or pulsation instead of pulselessness).