Question

A nurse is caring for a client with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) who has a past medical history of thrombophlebitis. Why is a client with a history of thrombophlebitis at greater risk for developing CVI?

1) Thrombophlebitis may damage valves of deep veins.
2) Thrombophlebitis may increase nitric oxide concentration, which damages veins.
3) Thrombophlebitis may alter coagulation that damages deep veins.
4) Thrombophlebitis may create a toxin that damages veins.

Answer 1

Thrombophlebitis increases the risk for CVI as it can damage the valves in the deep veins, leading to blood pooling and varicose veins.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client with a history of thrombophlebitis is at greater risk for developing chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) because thrombophlebitis may damage the valves of deep veins. When the valves in the veins are damaged, they cannot prevent the backflow of blood, leading to increased vein pressure and chronic pooling of blood. This situation can lead to varicose veins and further complications such as edema and skin ulcers. The other proposed mechanisms involving nitric oxide concentration, alteration of coagulation, and toxin creation are not directly associated with the development of CVI following thrombophlebitis.