What term refers to both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism?

• A. Venous thromboembolism (VTE)
• B. Deep vein thrombosis
• C. Embolism
• D. Aneurysm

Answer: (A)

Venous thromboembolism describes the link between a clot forming in the venous system and the potential blockage it can cause in the lungs. A clot can develop in deep veins, usually in the legs—this is called deep vein thrombosis. If a piece of that clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, it can lodge in the pulmonary arteries, causing a pulmonary embolism. Because both events stem from venous clots and are part of the same disease process, the umbrella term venous thromboembolism covers both conditions. The other terms don’t fit: deep vein thrombosis is only the initial clot in the legs; embolism, while related, is a broader concept referring to any blockage caused by material in the bloodstream; and an aneurysm is a dilation of a vessel, not a clot-related event.