DVT and Homan's sign

I think time4me was refering to the fact that you could dislodge the clot, and if you charted you did homans sign it could be blamed on the nurse.

so, I'm actually working on an EBP project on this discussion. Does anyone know if there is a way to use this site to survey nurses on this topic?

I read an article in Nursing 09 - April about venous thromboembolism. It does not say anything in the section about recognizing DVT about using the Homan's sign. I would just assess for and document the other signs and not worry about Homans. It is not very accurate but I am not sure if it is dangerous. Have not seen in writing anywhere that it is dangerous I should say.

Also you mentioned patients with DVT to remain on bedrest. I don't think this is the case anymore. In this article it also mentions that the American College of Chest Physicians recommend anticoagulation and early mobilization. This is new to me. Definitely follow the physicians orders where you work, but we may see that they are no longer keeping patients on bedrest.