Which set of findings correctly lists the 6 P's of compartment syndrome?

Which set of findings correctly lists the 6 P's of compartment syndrome?

• A. Pain, Pallor, Paresthesia, Paralysis, Poikilothermia, Pulselessness
• B. Pain, Pallor, Paresthesia, Paralysis, Pallor, Pulses
• C. Pain, Pressure, Pallor, Paralysis, Poikilothermia, Pulselessness
• D. Pulse, Paresthesia, Paralysis, Poikilothermia, Pulselessness, Pressure

Answer: (A)

Compartment syndrome presents as escalating pressure within a closed muscle compartment that impairs blood flow and tissue viability. The six signals doctors watch for are the classic indicators of this process. Pain stands out as the earliest and most reliable clue, often greater than what exam findings would suggest and worsened by stretching the involved muscles. Neuro involvement follows, with sensory changes such as paresthesias and, as ischemia progresses, weakness or paralysis. Vascular and skin changes come next, including pallor and coolness of the limb (poikilothermia), with pulselessness typically appearing only late when perfusion is severely compromised. The set that lists all six—pain, pallor, paresthesias, paralysis, poikilothermia, pulselessness—best captures the spectrum you need to recognize promptly. Other options misstate the signs by introducing terms like pressure or by using pulses instead of pulselessness, or by omitting one of the true signs, which would not fully reflect the syndrome.

Compartment syndrome presents as escalating pressure within a closed muscle compartment that impairs blood flow and tissue viability. The six signals doctors watch for are the classic indicators of this process. Pain stands out as the earliest and most reliable clue, often greater than what exam findings would suggest and worsened by stretching the involved muscles. Neuro involvement follows, with sensory changes such as paresthesias and, as ischemia progresses, weakness or paralysis. Vascular and skin changes come next, including pallor and coolness of the limb (poikilothermia), with pulselessness typically appearing only late when perfusion is severely compromised. The set that lists all six—pain, pallor, paresthesias, paralysis, poikilothermia, pulselessness—best captures the spectrum you need to recognize promptly. Other options misstate the signs by introducing terms like pressure or by using pulses instead of pulselessness, or by omitting one of the true signs, which would not fully reflect the syndrome.