Question

The HCP has prescribed thigh-high antiembolic hose for Mr. Mathis. The nurse assesses the client's legs every 8 hours. Which assessment finding reflects signs of possible thrombophlebitis that should be reported to the HCP?

A) Warmth and mild swelling
B) Absence of redness or tenderness
C) Cool and pale skin
D) Positive Homans' sign

Answer 1

The assessment finding that should be reported to the HCP for signs of possible thrombophlebitis is A) Warmth and mild swelling. These symptoms, along with redness and tenderness, are indicative of this condition, which requires prompt attention to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assessment finding that reflects signs of possible thrombophlebitis that should be reported to the healthcare provider (HCP) is A) Warmth and mild swelling. Thrombophlebitis is an inflammatory process that causes a blood clot to form and block one or more veins, usually in the legs. When using thigh-high antiembolic hose, it's important to monitor the patient for any signs of this condition.

Signs of thrombophlebitis can include warmth, swelling, redness, and tenderness along the course of the veins of the leg. In the patient’s case, a positive Homans' sign, which is discomfort in the calf upon dorsiflexion of the foot, could also be an indicator, but it is not as reliable as other signs. It is essential to report such findings to the healthcare provider promptly for further investigation and management to prevent complications such as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Other options like absence of redness or tenderness and cool and pale skin are not indicative of thrombophlebitis and therefore are not the correct answers to report to the HCP.