A nurse is reviewing the diagnostic workup for a client with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which test should the nurse expect to be performed first to assess the client's risk for DVT?

A) This choice is correct. Prolonged sitting or standing in one position can lead to reduced blood flow and stasis, increasing the risk of DVT. Encouraging regular movement and changing positions can help prevent clot formation.

B) This choice is incorrect because massaging the legs may not be suitable for everyone and is not a primary preventive measure for DVT. While it can aid in improving blood circulation, it should be done cautiously and not as a standalone preventive action.

C) This choice is incorrect because increasing the intake of vitamin K-rich foods is not a preventive measure for DVT. Vitamin K is involved in the clotting process, but it does not directly impact the risk of DVT.

D) This choice is incorrect because taking over-the-counter pain medications for leg discomfort does not prevent DVT. While pain management may be necessary for symptomatic relief, it does not address the underlying risk factors for DVT.

A) This choice is incorrect because chest pain and shortness of breath are more indicative of a potential pulmonary embolism, a serious complication of DVT. While DVT can lead to a pulmonary embolism, the primary manifestation of DVT is related to the affected limb.

B) This choice is correct. Warmth and redness over the affected area, typically the calf or thigh, are common clinical manifestations of DVT. The warmth is due to the inflammatory response caused by the blood clot formation.

C) This choice is incorrect because pedal edema and bilateral leg pain are non-specific findings and can be caused by various conditions, not just DVT. They are not specific enough to diagnose DVT on their own.

D) This choice is incorrect because weak pedal pulses and cool extremities are not typically associated with DVT. These findings suggest potential arterial insufficiency rather than venous thrombosis.