Which finding is not one of the five Ps of compartment syndrome?

Which finding is not one of the five Ps of compartment syndrome?

• A. Pain
• B. Pallor
• C. Pulse
• D. Paresthesia

Answer: (C)

The key idea is the classic set of signs used to recognize compartment syndrome: Pain, Pallor, Paresthesia, Paralysis, and Pulselessness. A simple “pulse” isn’t one of these five signs, because a pulse can still be present even when pressure inside a compartment is rising. The problematic, late-sign counterpart is pulselessness, which indicates that ischemia has progressed. Early on, the most reliable clues are severe pain disproportionate to exam and sensory changes like numbness or tingling; the pulse may remain, so its presence doesn’t rule out the condition. That’s why “pulse” is not one of the five Ps—the correct sign to watch for is pulselessness, a late finding signaling urgent intervention.

The key idea is the classic set of signs used to recognize compartment syndrome: Pain, Pallor, Paresthesia, Paralysis, and Pulselessness. A simple “pulse” isn’t one of these five signs, because a pulse can still be present even when pressure inside a compartment is rising. The problematic, late-sign counterpart is pulselessness, which indicates that ischemia has progressed. Early on, the most reliable clues are severe pain disproportionate to exam and sensory changes like numbness or tingling; the pulse may remain, so its presence doesn’t rule out the condition. That’s why “pulse” is not one of the five Ps—the correct sign to watch for is pulselessness, a late finding signaling urgent intervention.