National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which condition presents with a mixture of symptoms including numbness, tingling, and coolness in the extremity following an injury?

1. Deep vein thrombosis

2. Anterior compartment syndrome

3. Ulnar nerve compression

4. Peripheral artery disease

The correct answer is: Anterior compartment syndrome

The condition characterized by a mixture of symptoms including numbness, tingling, and coolness in the extremity following an injury is anterior compartment syndrome. This syndrome occurs when there is increased pressure within a closed anatomical space, typically in the limbs, leading to reduced blood flow and potential muscle and nerve damage. In the case of anterior compartment syndrome, this increased pressure can arise from various factors, including trauma or swelling after an injury. The symptoms result from the compromised circulation and the consequent ischemia affecting the tissues. Numbness and tingling are indications of nerve involvement due to the compression, while coolness in the extremity reflects the diminished blood flow. Other conditions do present with varying symptoms, but they do not typically involve the same mechanism or combination of symptoms following an injury. For example, deep vein thrombosis generally presents with swelling, pain, and sometimes warmth due to blood clot formation, rather than the coolness associated with ischemia. Ulnar nerve compression is more localized to the ulnar distribution in the hand and does not typically involve the temperature change of the entire extremity. Peripheral artery disease generally progresses more slowly and results in claudication, but the acute presentation following injury described is more characteristic of compartment syndrome.