Question

A 55-year-old man presents with a 2-day history of a painful swollen left calf after a long-haul flight. Two-level Wells score for deep vein thrombosis is 3 (DVT likely). Ultrasound scan cannot be performed until the next morning. What is the single most appropriate management now?

Accepted Answer

Start therapeutic low molecular weight heparin and arrange ultrasound within 24 hours

Answer

Arrange D-dimer testing only and review with the result tomorrow

Answer

Discharge with reassurance and advise to return if pain worsens

Answer

Start prophylactic-dose low molecular weight heparin only

Answer

Admit for immediate CT venography

Practice question

A 55-year-old man presents with a 2-day history of a painful swollen left calf after a long-haul flight. Two-level Wells score for deep vein thrombosis is 3 (DVT likely). Ultrasound scan cannot be performed until the next morning. What is the single most appropriate management now?