Question

What does the Wells Criteria look at (what pathology)

Answer 1

The Wells Criteria is a clinical scoring system used to assess the probability of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It looks at various factors associated with the development of these conditions and assigns point values to each criterion. A higher score indicates a higher likelihood of DVT or PE.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Wells Criteria is a clinical scoring system used to assess the probability of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It looks at various factors that are associated with the development of these conditions. The criteria include:

1. Active cancer: A history of cancer or ongoing cancer treatment.
2. Paralysis, paresis, or recent immobilization: A recent period of limb immobility, such as due to bed rest, casting, or long flights.
3. Recently bedridden for more than 3 days or undergone major surgery requiring general anesthesia in the past 4 weeks: This indicates a higher risk of blood clot formation.
4. Localized tenderness along distribution of deep venous system: Pain or tenderness along the route of a deep vein in the leg.
5. Swelling of entire leg: Unilateral leg swelling.
6. Calf swelling by more than 3 cm compared with the other leg: Measuring the circumference of the calf to identify asymmetry.
7. Pitting edema confined to the symptomatic leg: Indentation left by pressure on the skin.
8. Recent trauma requiring immobilization: Fractures and other injuries that necessitated immobilization of a limb.
9. Active DVT: Existing deep vein thrombosis diagnosis.

Each criterion is assigned a specific point value, and the total score helps clinicians determine the probability of DVT or PE. A higher score indicates a higher likelihood of the condition.