What is phlebitis?

Phlebitis is specifically defined as the inflammation of a vein, often accompanied by pain and tenderness along the affected area. This condition typically occurs in the superficial veins of the legs but can also affect deeper veins. When the vein becomes inflamed, it may result from a variety of causes, including infection, injury, or irritation from intravenous (IV) catheters.

In understanding why this choice is correct, it’s important to note the specific terminology associated with phlebitis. The prefix “phleb-” refers to veins, which directly indicates the affected area in this condition. Other choices describe different types of tissues or structures: muscle, artery, and nerve. Each option represents a distinct area of the body, and they are not related to phlebitis.

Recognizing the correct definition of medical terms is crucial in healthcare practices. Phlebitis is an important condition for medical professionals to monitor, especially in settings involving IV therapy, because untreated inflammation can lead to more serious complications, such as thrombophlebitis, where a blood clot also forms within the inflamed vein.