How would a nurse assess for compartment syndrome?

Compartment Syndrome typically involves individuals who have had an injury protected with a cast. Nurses would look for burning, itching, numbness, checking the area above and below the cast for +3 or +4 edema, ask about pain level, check capillary refill, check the temperature of the distal portion of the limb as well as checking pulse points when and where possible.
It is EXTREMELY important that if it is suspected that a patient is suffering from compartment syndrome that the nurse should immediately notify the attending physician so that proper steps can be taken.