Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 62%
Simulated
A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 24 hr postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following findings on the operative leg should the nurse identify as a manifestation of a deep-vein thrombosis?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Palpable cord-like vein. This finding is indicative of a deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) as it suggests a blood clot within the vein causing it to feel firm and cord-like. This is a concerning sign postoperatively as DVT can lead to serious complications such as pulmonary embolism. The other choices are not specific to DVT. A: Increase in calf size may indicate swelling but is not specific to DVT. B: Capillary refill of 2 seconds is a normal finding. D: Extremity feeling cool to the touch can be due to various reasons and is not specific to DVT.