Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What is indicated by a positive Homan's sign?

1. Thrombophlebitis

2. Pulmonary embolism

3. DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

4. Stroke risk

The correct answer is: Thrombophlebitis

A positive Homan's sign is traditionally associated with the presence of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). This clinical sign is evaluated by dorsiflexing the foot while the knee is extended and assessing for pain in the calf region. When the sign is positive, it implies the possibility of a clot in the deep veins of the leg, primarily indicating DVT. While thrombophlebitis, which refers to inflammation of a vein with associated thrombosis, can present with similar symptoms, it is not specifically what Homan's sign measures. Homan's sign focuses more directly on the likelihood of DVT. The other options, such as pulmonary embolism and stroke risk, relate to different pathophysiological conditions. For instance, pulmonary embolism is a complication that can occur if a DVT clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, but it would not be indicated by Homan's sign directly. Similarly, risk for stroke does not correlate with Homan's sign. Therefore, the focus of a positive Homan's sign is more accurately aligned with DVT.