A DVT can become a pulmonary embolism if it breaks away. Which option correctly identifies this complication?

A DVT can become a pulmonary embolism if it breaks away. Which option correctly identifies this complication?

• A. Pulmonary embolism
• B. Deep venous insufficiency
• C. Varicose vein
• D. Aneurysm

Answer: (A)

When a clot forms in a deep vein, it can break free and travel through the venous system to the right side of the heart and into the pulmonary arteries. If it lodges there, it blocks blood flow to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. This is the direct complication that can arise from a detached deep vein thrombosis. Other options describe different vascular problems—deep venous insufficiency is valve failure in deep veins leading to chronic swelling, varicose veins are enlarged superficial veins, and an aneurysm is a ballooning of an artery—none of which involve a clot traveling to the lungs.

When a clot forms in a deep vein, it can break free and travel through the venous system to the right side of the heart and into the pulmonary arteries. If it lodges there, it blocks blood flow to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. This is the direct complication that can arise from a detached deep vein thrombosis. Other options describe different vascular problems—deep venous insufficiency is valve failure in deep veins leading to chronic swelling, varicose veins are enlarged superficial veins, and an aneurysm is a ballooning of an artery—none of which involve a clot traveling to the lungs.