The nurse suspects that a patient has developed a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following tests would gather more evidence in support of this diagnosis?

Explanation

• Diagnostic tests that can help diagnose a DVT include a D-dimer test to confirm the presence of fibrin degradation products from a clot, venous ultrasound, venography to visualize the clot with contrast, or less commonly, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT).

• Homans' sign was once used as a diagnostic tool for DVTs. It is no longer recommended because of its poor predictive value. The risk of dislodging the clot when using Homans' sign is not based on any clinical evidence.

• Incorrect: Weber's test is a screening tool for conductive hearing loss.

• Incorrect: Romberg's test evaluates proprioception.

• Incorrect: Tinel's sign is used to determine median nerve damage in carpal tunnel syndrome.

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