Thrombophlebitis is best described as which of the following?

• A. Inflammation of a vein without clot
• B. Inflammation of a vein with clot formation
• C. Inflammation of an artery with clot formation
• D. Inflammation of a capillary with bleeding

Answer: (B)

The essential idea is combining inflammation of a vein with the formation of a clot. Thrombophlebitis means the vein wall is inflamed and a thrombus has developed inside the vein, tying together two processes: inflammation and thrombosis. This makes it different from simple phlebitis (vein inflammation without a clot) and from problems in arteries or capillaries. In practice, you’ll see symptoms like localized warmth, redness, and tenderness along a superficial or deep vein, with the clot contributing to swelling and potential risk if it travels. Understanding this helps differentiate it from other vascular issues and guides management, such as anti-inflammatory measures for superficial cases or anticoagulation decisions for deeper involvement.