Exit Exam Nursing Study ATI Practice Questions Related

Review Exit Exam Nursing Study ATI Practice Questions related questions and content

What is the most important nursing assessment for a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

  • A. Check for leg pain
  • B. Perform Homan's sign test
  • C. Monitor for redness
  • D. Assess for warmth and swelling
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most important nursing assessment for a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to check for leg pain. Leg pain is a cardinal symptom of DVT and is often the initial indicator of a blood clot. While assessing for warmth, swelling, and redness are also important in DVT evaluation, leg pain is the most crucial as it can prompt further diagnostic testing and interventions. Performing Homan's sign test is no longer recommended due to its low specificity and potential to dislodge a clot, causing complications. Monitoring for redness is important but may not always be present in DVT cases. Assessing for warmth and swelling is relevant but still secondary to the assessment of leg pain in suspected DVT cases.