Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) Practice Exam

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is specifically characterized by the formation of blood clots in the large veins, predominantly found in the lower extremities, such as the thighs or calves. This condition poses significant health risks because these clots can lead to serious complications, including pulmonary embolism, when a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs. The formation of clots in the deep veins can be attributed to factors such as venous stasis, vascular damage, and hypercoagulability. In contrast to other options, clots do not typically form in smaller veins of the upper extremities, as indicated by the first choice. Air bubbles in the bloodstream relate more to conditions like air embolism rather than DVT. Lastly, while inflammation in veins may occur in conditions like thrombophlebitis, it does not define DVT, which is focused on the clotting aspect. Understanding DVT's specific characteristics is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies in nursing practice.