A nurse is assessing a client with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate to confirm the presence of DVT?

A) This choice is incorrect because anticoagulants do not dissolve existing blood clots in the veins. They prevent further clot formation and allow the body's natural mechanisms to dissolve the clot over time.

B) This choice is correct. Anticoagulants work by inhibiting the clotting factors in the blood, which prevents the formation of new blood clots and reduces the risk of the existing clot enlarging or causing additional complications.

C) This choice is incorrect because while anticoagulants may indirectly reduce pain and inflammation by preventing further clot formation, their primary action is to prevent clotting, not directly reduce pain and inflammation associated with DVT.

D) This choice is incorrect because while anticoagulants can improve blood flow by preventing clot formation, they do not directly "improve" blood flow to the affected limb.

A) This choice is incorrect because the D-dimer blood test is a screening test for DVT but does not directly assess blood flow or detect clots non-invasively.

B) This choice is incorrect because magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sensitive imaging modality, but it may not be readily available or suitable for all clients. It is not the primary choice for non-invasive assessment of blood flow and clots in suspected DVT.

C) This choice is incorrect because contrast venography is an invasive procedure involving the injection of contrast dye and X-ray imaging. It is not non-invasive, and venous Doppler ultrasound is a preferred first-line test.

D) This choice is correct. Venous Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test used to assess blood flow in the veins and detect clots in the deep veins of the legs. It is readily available, safe, and does not involve the use of contrast dye or radiation.