Which of the following is listed as a predisposing factor for pulmonary embolism?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is listed as a predisposing factor for pulmonary embolism?

Predisposition to pulmonary embolism is most strongly tied to slowed blood flow in the deep veins, which promotes clot formation. When venous return is sluggish—such as from prolonged bedrest or immobilization—the risk of deep vein thrombosis rises. Varicose veins contribute to this by causing pooling and stasis in the leg veins. If a clot forms there, it can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Fat or air emboli are specific types of emboli that can reach the lungs but are not the general predisposing factor that leads to most pulmonary emboli. Trauma or fractures and recent surgery can increase overall risk by promoting immobilization and a hypercoagulable state, but the direct mechanism emphasized in this context is venous stasis driving thrombosis formation.

Predisposition to pulmonary embolism is most strongly tied to slowed blood flow in the deep veins, which promotes clot formation. When venous return is sluggish—such as from prolonged bedrest or immobilization—the risk of deep vein thrombosis rises. Varicose veins contribute to this by causing pooling and stasis in the leg veins. If a clot forms there, it can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

Fat or air emboli are specific types of emboli that can reach the lungs but are not the general predisposing factor that leads to most pulmonary emboli. Trauma or fractures and recent surgery can increase overall risk by promoting immobilization and a hypercoagulable state, but the direct mechanism emphasized in this context is venous stasis driving thrombosis formation.

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