The nurse is inspecting the legs of a client with a suspected lower-extremity deep venous thrombosis. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_c92e_ca2c_b433_9b8f20f36afb_MD0009_00 A deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot (ie, thrombus) formed in large veins, generally of the lower extremities. DVTs occur commonly as a result of decreased activity or mobility (eg, prolonged travels, bed rest) or as a complication of hospitalization or surgery. Although clients with a DVT may have no symptoms, typical clinical manifestations include unilateral edema, localized pain (eg, calf pain) or tenderness to touch, warmth, erythema, and occasionally low-grade fever (Options B, D, and E). Recognition of a potential DVT is critical because the thrombus can dislodge from the vessel and cause life-threatening pulmonary embolism. (Option A) Blue, cyanotic toes is an indicator of impaired arterial blood perfusion to the extremity, which may occur with acute arterial occlusion (eg, arterial embolism) or severely reduced blood flow (eg, vasopressor-induced vasoconstriction, atherosclerosis). (Option C) Dry, shiny, hairless skin are common clinical manifestations of chronic peripheral arterial disease. These characteristic skin alterations occur from long-term impairment of blood flow to the extremity. Educational objective: A deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot formed in large veins, typically of the lower extremities, that occurs commonly from decreased activity or mobility. Clinical manifestations of a lower-extremity DVT include unilateral edema, calf pain or tenderness to touch, warmth, erythema, and low-grade fever.

The Nurse Is Inspecting the Legs of a Client with a Suspected