Which term describes a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs?

• A. Arterial blood clot
• B. Superficial thrombosis
• C. Venous thrombus
• D. Pulmonary embolism

Answer: (C)

A blood clot forming in a deep vein is described as a venous thrombus. This term highlights both the vessel type (vein) and the nature of the clot (thrombus). In the legs, such clots are typically deep vein thromboses (DVTs), which differ from arterial clots that occur in arteries and can cause heart attacks or strokes. Clots in superficial veins are called superficial thrombosis and are generally less risky. A pulmonary embolism is not the clot itself in the leg; it’s a blockage in the lungs caused by a fragment that traveled from a leg vein. So, describing the clot as a venous thrombus best fits a clot located in a deep vein.