The Postsurgical Patient Has a Painful and Swollen Right Calf

question 46

Multiple Choice

The postsurgical patient has a painful and swollen right calf that appears to be larger than the calf of the left leg.What is the nurse assessing for when she flexes the patient's right leg and dorsiflexes the foot?

• A) Pain,which would be a positive Homans' sign
• B) Muscular spasm,which would be a sign of hypocalcemia
• C) Rigidity,which would be a sign of ankylosis
• D) Crepitus,which would be a sign of a joint disorder

---

Definitions:

Poles Per Phase

A characteristic of electric machines which indicates the number of magnetic poles in one phase of the machine.

Output Frequency

The frequency of the electrical output signal generated by an oscillator, amplifier, or another electronic device.

Brushless Exciter

A device used to excite the rotor of an alternator or synchronous motor that does not use brushes or sliprings.

Primary Exciter

A device, often a small generator, used to supply the initial current to the field winding of an alternator or to a magnetic coil to start the generation of electricity.