Which of the following is a potential complication of a gunshot wound?

Compartment syndrome is a serious and potential complication that can arise from a gunshot wound due to the destructive nature of such injuries. This condition occurs when there is increased pressure within a closed anatomical space, such as a muscle compartment, which can lead to decreased blood flow and tissue ischemia.

In the context of a gunshot wound, the high energy transfer and potential fragmentation of bone or tissue can lead to swelling, bleeding, or necrosis within the compartment. The muscles, nerves, and blood vessels housed in that compartment become compressed, resulting in severe pain, decreased sensory and motor function, and in severe cases, permanent muscle and nerve damage. Timely recognition and intervention are crucial, often requiring surgical fasciotomy to relieve the pressure and restore normal circulation to the affected area.

The other options, while related to trauma, do not represent potential complications specifically linked to the nature of a gunshot wound in the same way as compartment syndrome does. For example, a concussion, fracture, and contusion can occur from various types of trauma, but compartment syndrome is uniquely associated with injuries that can lead to increased intracompartmental pressure, making it a primary concern in the management of gunshot wounds.