Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test 2026 - Free CEN Practice Questions and Study Guide

The most appropriate test commonly used to identify pain associated with a venous clot is Homans sign. This test involves dorsiflexing the foot while the leg is extended and assessing for any pain in the calf region, which may indicate the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, it's important to note that while Homans sign can suggest the presence of a clot, it is not a definitive diagnostic tool and may not be reliable in all cases.

In clinical practice, a more accurate and commonly used method for diagnosing venous clots, particularly DVT, is an ultrasound, as it provides direct visualization of the venous structures, allowing for the identification of blood clots. Other imaging options like CT angiography and MRI may be utilized in different contexts, such as evaluating arterial involvement or other specific concerns. However, for the specific context of assessing pain linked to venous clots, the physical examination sign of Homans is historically noted, even if it lacks the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound.