system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A patient presents to the emergency department with arm pain. The patient recently experienced an open fracture of his radius when he fell from a ladder while cleaning his house. Surgical reduction took place and the patient's forearm was put in a cast. Since then, the patient has experienced worsening pain in his arm. The patient has a past medical history of hypertension and asthma. His current medications include albuterol, fluticasone, loratadine, and lisinopril. His temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C), blood pressure is 150/95 mmHg, pulse is 90/min, respirations are 19/min, and oxygen saturation is 99% on room air. The patient's cast is removed. On physical exam, the patient's left arm is tender to palpation. Passive motion of the patient's wrist and fingers elicits severe pain. The patient's left radial and ulnar pulse are both palpable and regular. The forearm is soft and does not demonstrate any bruising but is tender to palpation. Which of the following is the next best step in management?
assistant
Emergency fasciotomy