Maternal & Newborn Nursing
A 38 years old gravida 5 para 3 post natal mother delivered via caesarean section.
On the fourth post operative day the mid wife noted human's sign was positive . human's sign is result by pain which of the following leg site?
Explanation
Core Concept: Homans' sign is a clinical test historically used to assess for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is elicited by sharply dorsiflexing the patient's foot while the knee is slightly flexed.
Clinical Presentation:
- Unilateral leg swelling, warmth, erythema, and tenderness.
- Positive Homans' sign (calf pain upon dorsiflexion).
Diagnosis:
- *First-line:* Clinical assessment (though Homans' sign is unreliable and no longer recommended as a primary diagnostic tool).
- *Gold Standard:* Venous Doppler ultrasound of the lower extremities.
Management:
- *Acute:* A positive sign causes pain in the *calf* muscle due to the stretching of inflamed veins. If suspected, avoid massaging the leg to prevent embolus dislodgement.
- *Definitive:* Initiate therapeutic anticoagulation (e.g., low-molecular-weight heparin) if DVT is confirmed via ultrasound.