An older patient with chronic atrial fibrillation develops sudden severe pain, pulselessness, pallor, and coolness in the right leg, consistent with acute arterial occlusion.

After the nurse notifies the healthcare provider, what should the nurse do next?

Choice A rationale
A pleural friction rub, which is a grating sound caused by the inflammation of the pleural surfaces during respiration, is not typically associated with cardiac tamponade. It is more commonly associated with conditions affecting the lungs, such as pneumonia or pleurisy.
Choice B rationale
Distended neck veins are a classic sign of cardiac tamponade. This occurs due to increased pressure in the right atrium as a result of the impaired filling of the ventricles. This is a critical sign that should be reported immediately.
Choice C rationale
Widening pulse pressure (an increase in the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) is not typically associated with cardiac tamponade. In fact, cardiac tamponade more commonly presents with a narrowed pulse pressure.
Choice D rationale
Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically a sign of cardiac tamponade. More commonly, tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, is observed in response to decreased cardiac output.

Choice A rationale
Cramping of the toes is not typically associated with a positive Homans sign. Homans sign is a test used to check for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a deep vein of the leg. While cramping can occur with DVT, it is not specific to this condition and can occur with many other conditions.
Choice B rationale
Blanching of the sole is not associated with a positive Homans sign. Blanching, or whitening of the skin, can occur with various conditions, but it is not a typical sign of DVT45.
Choice C rationale
Resisting dorsiflexion is not a typical response indicating a positive Homans sign. While pain or resistance during dorsiflexion of the foot can occur with various conditions, it is not a specific sign of DVT45.
Choice D rationale
Pain in the calf area during dorsiflexion of the foot (Homans sign) can indicate a positive sign for DVT. However, it’s important to note that Homans sign is not a reliable or definitive test for DVT. Other diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound, are needed to confirm the diagnosis.