When preparing a patient for a cardiac catheterization and coronary angiogram, which piece of information about the patient is crucial for the nurse to relay to the healthcare provider prior to the procedure?

Choice A rationale
Cramping of the toes is not typically associated with a positive Homans sign. Homans sign is a test used to check for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a deep vein of the leg. While cramping can occur with DVT, it is not specific to this condition and can occur with many other conditions.
Choice B rationale
Blanching of the sole is not associated with a positive Homans sign. Blanching, or whitening of the skin, can occur with various conditions, but it is not a typical sign of DVT45.
Choice C rationale
Resisting dorsiflexion is not a typical response indicating a positive Homans sign. While pain or resistance during dorsiflexion of the foot can occur with various conditions, it is not a specific sign of DVT45.
Choice D rationale
Pain in the calf area during dorsiflexion of the foot (Homans sign) can indicate a positive sign for DVT. However, it’s important to note that Homans sign is not a reliable or definitive test for DVT. Other diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound, are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Choice A rationale
Stable angina typically occurs with exertion and goes away with rest. The symptoms described, including substernal pain, discomfort in the left shoulder and jaw, which subside with rest, are characteristic of stable angina.
Choice B rationale
Prinzmetal angina, also known as variant angina, is a type of angina (chest pain) caused by spasms in the coronary arteries. These spasms occur most often in coronary arteries that have not become hardened due to plaque buildup. However, they can also occur in hardened arteries. The symptoms can be similar to those of stable angina, but the typical triggers for the episodes are different.
Choice C rationale
A myocardial infarction (MI), or heart attack, occurs when one of the coronary arteries becomes blocked, often by a blood clot, causing part of the heart muscle to be damaged or die. The symptoms are usually more severe than what is described and do not typically subside with rest.
Choice D rationale
Unstable angina is a condition in which the angina symptoms become more severe, occur more frequently, or occur at rest. This is a medical emergency as it can often lead to a heart attack.