Virchow's triad of thrombosis includes all of the following, EXCEPT:

Appeared in: DSSSB 12 August 2024

Explanation

Homan's sign is a clinical assessment technique, not a pathophysiological factor contributing to thrombosis.
It involves checking for calf pain upon dorsiflexion of the foot, which may indicate deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Unlike the other options, it is a potential sign of a clot, not a cause of a clot.
Virchow's triad specifically describes the three primary causes of thrombus formation: endothelial injury, blood stasis, and hypercoagulability.

Option A: This is a core component of Virchow's triad. Damage to the vessel lining is a primary trigger for clot formation.
Option B: This is a core component of Virchow's triad. An increased tendency for blood to clot is a key factor in thrombosis.
Option D: This is a core component of Virchow's triad. Slow or turbulent blood flow allows clotting factors to accumulate and promotes thrombosis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Virchow's Triad and Thrombosis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding Virchow's triad is crucial for nurses to identify patients at high risk for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
Nurses implement preventive measures based on these risk factors, such as encouraging early ambulation (to prevent stasis), applying sequential compression devices, and administering prophylactic anticoagulants as prescribed.
What if? If a post-operative patient is also a known carrier of the Factor V Leiden mutation (a cause of hypercoagulability), their risk for DVT is significantly higher than that from surgery alone. The nurse must be extra vigilant in monitoring for signs of DVT and ensuring all preventive measures are strictly followed.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is 'Virchow's triad'.
Note the keyword 'EXCEPT'. This means you are looking for the option that does not belong.
Recall the three components of Virchow's triad: endothelial injury, stasis of blood, and hypercoagulability.
Evaluate each option against the components of the triad.
Recognize that 'Endothelial injury', 'Hypercoagulability', and 'Stasis of blood' are the three components.
Identify 'Homan's Sign' as the outlier. It is a clinical test for DVT, not a causative factor in the triad.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Virchow's Triad and Thrombosis
Stem keywords: Virchow's triad, thrombosis
Lead-in keywords: EXCEPT
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks to identify the option that is NOT part of Virchow's triad.

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 134-136

E6 Pathology-Vandana Puri & Kavita Gaur Textbook of Pathology and Genetics p. 120-122

Practise the full DSSSB 12 August 2024

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