Pain or discomfort in the calf muscles or thighs which increases on dorsiflexion of the foot is:

Appeared in: IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Explanation

Homan's sign is characterized by pain or discomfort in the calf muscles upon forced dorsiflexion of the foot while the knee is extended.
This sign was historically used as a physical assessment finding suggestive of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
The underlying theory is that stretching the posterior tibial vein and surrounding inflamed tissues causes pain if a thrombus is present.
It is crucial to note that current evidence-based practice questions the reliability of Homan's sign due to its low sensitivity and specificity, and the potential risk of dislodging a clot.

Option A: Hegar's sign is a clinical finding related to pregnancy, not the lower extremities. It refers to the softening of the isthmus (the lower segment) of the uterus.
Option B: Goodell's sign is also a sign of pregnancy. It describes the significant softening of the vaginal portion of the cervix due to increased vascularization.
Option C: Chadwick's sign is another sign of early pregnancy. It is the bluish or purplish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia due to increased blood flow.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Differentiating between clinical signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and signs of pregnancy as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Assessment for DVT is a critical nursing responsibility, especially for at-risk populations like postoperative, immobilized, or pregnant patients.
While Homan's sign is a classic test, nurses must prioritize assessing for more reliable indicators of DVT: unilateral leg edema (swelling), erythema (redness), warmth, and tenderness.
A positive Homan's sign, despite its limitations, warrants immediate reporting and further diagnostic evaluation, such as a venous Doppler ultrasound.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question to identify the key clinical description: pain in the calf when the foot is dorsiflexed.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of specific, named clinical signs.
Systematically evaluate each option. Recall or deduce the medical context for each sign.
Recognize that Hegar's sign, Goodell's sign, and Chadwick's sign are all associated with obstetrics and are signs of pregnancy.
Identify that Homan's sign is related to the assessment of the lower extremities for vascular issues.
Match the description in the question stem directly to the definition of Homan's sign to select the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Differentiating between clinical signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and signs of pregnancy.
Stem keywords: pain, calf muscles, dorsiflexion of the foot
Lead-in keywords: is

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E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 2 p. 119-121

Practise the full IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.