Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

Which term describes a blood clot in a vein?

1. Deep vein thrombosis

2. Embole

3. Cystocele

4. Venous thrombosis

The correct answer is: Venous thrombosis

The term that describes a blood clot in a vein is venous thrombosis. This condition involves the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within a vein, typically in the legs or deep veins, which can impede blood flow and may lead to serious complications, including pulmonary embolism if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a specific type of venous thrombosis that particularly refers to clots that form in the deep veins, usually in the legs. Although this term is also correct, venous thrombosis is broader and encompasses all types of blood clots that occur in veins, not just those in deep veins. An embolus refers to a clot or other material that travels through the bloodstream and can cause blockages elsewhere, but it does not specifically refer to a clot already formed in a vein. Cystocele, on the other hand, is unrelated to blood clots and refers to a condition in which the bladder protrudes into the vaginal wall. Therefore, the most accurate term to describe a blood clot in a vein in general is venous thrombosis.