TCRN Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep for Your Test

In the context of suspected compartment syndrome, performing a fasciotomy is the intervention that addresses the underlying problem resulting from increased pressure within a muscle compartment. This condition can lead to decreased blood flow, muscle ischemia, and permanent muscle and nerve damage if not treated promptly. A fasciotomy, which involves making an incision in the fascia to relieve pressure, is a critical surgical intervention specifically aimed at preventing these serious complications.

While administering analgesics, securing intravenous access, and monitoring vital signs are all important components of patient care, they do not directly address the life-threatening nature of compartment syndrome. Analgesics may alleviate pain but do not resolve the cause of increased pressure. Securing intravenous access is essential for fluid administration or medications, yet it is not the primary concern when a patient is at risk of significant tissue damage. Monitoring vital signs provides crucial information about the patient's overall status but does not intervene on the pathological process of compartment syndrome. Therefore, the correct answer focuses on the necessary surgical intervention to treat the condition effectively.