What does Homan's sign test for?

Homan's sign is a clinical test used to assess for the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is specifically concerned with eliciting calf pain when the foot is passively dorsiflexed. When a healthcare provider performs this maneuver, they are checking for discomfort in the calf area, which may indicate the presence of a thrombus (clot) in the venous system.

The rationale behind using Homan's sign in the assessment of DVT is that the inflammation and irritation resulting from a clot can lead to pain when the calf muscles are stretched. Although Homan's sign is not definitively diagnostic for DVT and has its limitations, it remains part of the physical examination that can lead to further investigation, such as an ultrasound, when DVT is suspected.

The other options listed do not accurately represent the purpose of Homan's sign. High blood pressure, swelling in the leg, and range of motion in the ankle are unrelated to this specific test. High blood pressure pertains to cardiovascular health monitoring and is evaluated through different assessments. Swelling in the leg can be indicative of various conditions, including DVT, but is not the focus of Homan's sign. Similarly, assessing range of motion in the ankle involves different