What are the most common signs of deep vein thrombosis?

• A. Unilateral leg swelling, leg pain, warmth, and redness
• B. Bilateral leg swelling and shortness of breath
• C. Abdominal pain and vomiting
• D. Neck stiffness and photophobia

Answer: (A)

Deep vein thrombosis most often presents with unilateral leg swelling accompanied by leg pain, warmth, and redness. This pattern comes from a clot obstructing venous return in one leg, causing local edema and inflammation that make the leg feel warmer, appear red, and be tender to touch. The unilateral nature helps distinguish DVT from conditions that affect both legs or the chest.

Other options point to different problems: bilateral swelling with shortness of breath can suggest heart failure or a pulmonary embolism; abdominal pain with vomiting indicates a gastrointestinal issue; neck stiffness with photophobia suggests meningitis.