MCQ – 88586

A 55-year-old woman has had discomfort and swelling of the left leg for the past week. On physical examination, the leg is slightly difficult to move, but on palpation, there is no pain. A venogram shows thrombosis of deep left leg veins. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely to cause this condition?

Correct Answer � D Explanation

 Answer: D Immobilization

The most important and the most common cause of venous thrombosis is vascular stasis, which often occurs with immobilization. Turbulent blood flow may promote thrombosis, but this risk factor is more common in fast-flowing arterial circulation. 

Nitric oxide is a vasodilator and an inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Aspirin inhibits platelet function and limits thrombosis. Calcium is a cofactor in the coagulation pathway, but an increase in calcium has minimal effect on the coagulation process.