A pregnant patient comes into a clinic and asks about a small dark bulge that is becoming more apparent on her leg. What is it and what caused it?
a. Hemorrhoids. The growing fetus puts downward pressure on the veins of the groin and restricts the return of blood to the heart, causing the valves in the peripheral veins to begin to fail.
b. A varicose vein. The growing fetus puts downward pressure on the vessels of the groin and restricts the return of blood to the heart, causing the valves in the peripheral veins to begin to fail.
c. Phlebitis, which is typically caused by a bacterial infection or physical trauma.
d. An aneurysm, caused by a weakening of the vein due to chronic hypertension or arteriosclerosis.