A hospitalized patient complains of bilateral leg pain and asks the nurse to massage her legs. One calf is noticeably larger than the other and is warm and slightly reddened. What action by the nurse is best?
a. Only massage the leg with normal assessment findings.
b. Massage the front of both legs gently, and avoid the posterior surfaces.
c. Perform a Homan's test to both legs prior to massaging either of them.
d. Educate the patient on why a massage would be contraindicated.
ANS: D
This patient has manifestations of a deep vein thrombosis, and the nurse should not massage the patient's legs. The nurse should inform the patient of why this is contraindicated. The other actions are not warranted.
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