A thrombus (blood clot) formed in the knee during knee surgery has the potential to travel to the lung causing a pulmonary embolism (PE) via which of the following circulatory route?
A) popliteal vein; anterior tibial vein; dorsalis pedal vein
B) popliteal vein; common iliac vein; inferior vena cava; pulmonary trunk
C) popliteal vein; femoral vein; superior vena cava; aorta
D) popliteal vein; common iliac vein; external iliac vein; internal iliac vein

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A thrombus formed in the knee area would travel through the venous system to reach the lung. The correct path is from the popliteal vein to the common iliac vein, then to the inferior vena cava, and finally to the pulmonary trunk, which leads directly to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

A Thrombus (Blood Clot) Formed in the Knee During Knee