Should you assess for Homan's sign in suspected thrombophlebitis?

Should you assess for Homan's sign in suspected thrombophlebitis?

• A. Yes, it is a standard procedure
• B. No, it is no longer recommended
• C. Only if the patient is symptomatic
• D. Only if requested by a physician

Answer: (B)

Assessing for Homan's sign in suspected thrombophlebitis is not recommended because the reliability and diagnostic value of this test have been called into question in recent medical literature. Homan's sign involves dorsiflexion of the foot to elicit calf pain, which was historically thought to indicate the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, it has been shown that this maneuver may not only be ineffective in accurately diagnosing DVT but could also potentially dislodge a clot, leading to serious complications. Current clinical guidelines encourage more definitive diagnostic methods, such as Doppler ultrasound or D-dimer testing, rather than relying on Homan's sign. Thus, rejecting this outdated practice aligns with modern standards of care aimed at minimizing risk and improving patient safety. Always ensuring assessments are based on the latest evidence underscores the importance of keeping clinical practices up-to-date for effective patient management.

Assessing for Homan's sign in suspected thrombophlebitis is not recommended because the reliability and diagnostic value of this test have been called into question in recent medical literature. Homan's sign involves dorsiflexion of the foot to elicit calf pain, which was historically thought to indicate the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, it has been shown that this maneuver may not only be ineffective in accurately diagnosing DVT but could also potentially dislodge a clot, leading to serious complications.

Current clinical guidelines encourage more definitive diagnostic methods, such as Doppler ultrasound or D-dimer testing, rather than relying on Homan's sign. Thus, rejecting this outdated practice aligns with modern standards of care aimed at minimizing risk and improving patient safety. Always ensuring assessments are based on the latest evidence underscores the importance of keeping clinical practices up-to-date for effective patient management.