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?
D-dimer blood test.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Complete blood count (CBC).
Wells score assessment.
The Correct Answer is D
A) This choice is incorrect because while the D-dimer blood test is used to rule out DVT in low-risk individuals, the Wells score assessment is typically performed first to assess the client's pretest probability of DVT.
B) This choice is incorrect because magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not typically used as an initial diagnostic test for DVT. It may be employed in specific cases but is not the first-line test.
C) This choice is incorrect because a complete blood count (CBC) is a general blood test that does not directly assess the risk of DVT. It may provide information about overall health but is not specific to DVT assessment.
D) This choice is correct. The Wells score assessment is a validated tool used to estimate the likelihood of DVT based on clinical criteria and risk factors. It is commonly used as the first step in the diagnostic workup to determine if further testing, such as venous Doppler ultrasound or D-dimer blood test, is necessary.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) This choice is correct. The D-dimer blood test is a rapid and sensitive screening test that can help rule out DVT in low-risk individuals. A negative D-dimer result can be useful in excluding DVT, avoiding unnecessary imaging or invasive tests.
B) This choice is incorrect because contrast venography is not a rapid test and involves invasive procedures. It is not used as a first-line screening test due to its complexity and potential risks.
C) This choice is incorrect because magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide valuable information, but it is not the first choice for rapid rule-out of DVT. MRI may be employed in specific cases when initial screening tests are inconclusive.
D) This choice is incorrect because the Wells score assessment is not a diagnostic test but a scoring system to estimate the likelihood of DVT. It does not provide rapid results to rule out DVT directly.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) This choice is incorrect because venous Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test commonly used to diagnose DVT. However, it is not considered the gold standard due to potential limitations in visualizing small clots and deep veins.
B) This choice is incorrect because the D-dimer blood test is a screening test used to detect the presence of blood clot breakdown products. While it can help rule out DVT when negative, it is not the definitive diagnostic test.
C) This choice is incorrect because magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sensitive imaging modality but is not considered the gold standard for diagnosing DVT. MRI may be used in specific cases, but contrast venography remains the gold standard.
D) This choice is correct. Contrast venography involves injecting contrast dye into the veins and taking X-ray images to visualize the blood flow and detect any clots. It is considered the gold standard for diagnosing DVT, as it provides direct visualization of the clot and the extent of its involvement.
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