American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What does Virchow's triad indicate as high-risk factors for thrombosis?

1. Venous stasis, hypercoagulability, endothelial damage

2. Hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea

3. CNS depression, respiratory depression, miosis

4. Short PR interval, delta waves, wide QRS complex

The correct answer is: Venous stasis, hypercoagulability, endothelial damage

Virchow's triad identifies three key components that contribute to the development of thrombosis, specifically venous thromboembolism. These three factors are venous stasis, hypercoagulability, and endothelial damage. Venous stasis refers to the slowing or pooling of blood in the veins, often occurring in situations like prolonged immobility or heart failure. When blood flow slows, there is a greater chance for clot formation. Hypercoagulability describes a state where the blood has an increased tendency to clot, which can result from various factors including genetic predispositions, certain medications, or medical conditions like cancer. Endothelial damage involves injury to the cells lining the blood vessels, which can trigger the coagulation cascade and lead to thrombus formation. This damage can arise from trauma, surgical interventions, or diseases such as vasculitis. Understanding Virchow's triad is crucial in assessing the risk factors for thrombosis and implementing preventive measures, particularly in clinical settings where patients may be at higher risk. The other options provided do not relate to the factors associated with thrombosis, making the first choice the correct and most relevant answer to the question.