North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

In the case of a positive Homan's sign, what treatment is commonly prescribed?

1. Antibiotics

2. Heparin

3. Bed rest

4. Compression stockings

The correct answer is: Heparin

A positive Homan's sign is traditionally associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), indicating potential thrombosis or clot formation in the deep veins, usually of the leg. In such cases, the primary concern is to prevent complications like pulmonary embolism. Heparin is an anticoagulant that is either administered intravenously or subcutaneously and is used to prevent the progression of the thrombus and reduce the risk of embolization. Heparin works by inhibiting specific clotting factors in the blood, thereby preventing further clot formation and allowing the body's natural processes to dissolve existing clots. The use of heparin is essential in managing confirmed or suspected DVT cases due to its rapid action and effectiveness in preventing serious complications. Other treatment options mentioned, like antibiotics, bed rest, and compression stockings, serve varying purposes. Antibiotics are generally used for infections, not for clots. Bed rest might be advised in some instances, but extended bed rest can lead to additional complications like muscle atrophy and venous stasis. Compression stockings may help improve venous return and alleviate symptoms, but they do not directly treat the underlying clot. Therefore, in the case of a positive Homan's sign, the administration of heparin