NCLEX Pregnancy at Risk Practice Test

Superficial venous thrombosis presents with a tender, inflamed superficial vein that feels like a hard, cord-like structure under the skin. In a postpartum patient, the thrombosed vein becomes enlarged and indurated, which is why the description of enlarged, hardened veins is the best clue. This contrasts with signs like paleness or coolness of the calf or a palpable dorsal pedis pulse, which point more toward arterial issues or venous problems that aren’t specifically a superficial, cord-like thrombosis. So the presence of a palpable, firm, tender cord along a superficial vein is the hallmark indicating superficial venous thrombosis.