The nurse is caring for a preschool child with a cast applied recently for a fractured tibia. Which assessment finding indicates possible compartment syndrome?

Compartment syndrome is a condition characterized by increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to impaired blood flow and potential tissue damage. It can occur when swelling or bleeding within a confined space, such as a cast, causes increased pressure on the surrounding tissues.

Tingling in the toes and decreased sensation can be indicative of nerve compression or damage due to increased pressure in the compartment. It is important to recognize these neurological changes as potential signs of compartment syndrome.

Signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome may include:

1. Severe pain that is out of proportion to the injury or not relieved by pain medication.
2. Swelling and tightness in the affected area.
3. Numbness or tingling.
4. Pale or cool skin over the affected area.
5. Weakness or decreased sensation in the affected limb.
6. In severe cases, paralysis or loss of pulse in the affected area.

Cushing's syndrome is a disorder characterized by excessive production or prolonged exposure to high levels of glucocorticoids, particularly cortisol. This can occur due to various reasons, such as the use of corticosteroid medications or overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Elevated glucocorticoid levels result in a variety of clinical manifestations associated with Cushing's syndrome, including weight gain, central obesity, muscle wasting, thinning of the skin, easy bruising, and impaired glucose metabolism.

It's important to note that Cushing's syndrome can have different underlying causes, such as adrenal tumors, pituitary tumors, or ectopic ACTH production. Regardless of the cause, the common feature in Cushing's syndrome is the excessive glucocorticoid levels, which contribute to the signs and symptoms of the condition.

​​​​​​​