What is phlebitis?

Phlebitis refers specifically to the inflammation of a vein, which can occur as a result of various factors including chemical irritants, physical trauma, or even from the presence of blood clots. This inflammation may arise in response to intravenous therapy where the vein is inadvertently irritated, making option B the correct choice.

Phlebitis can manifest with symptoms such as redness, warmth, swelling, and pain along the affected vein. The condition can be acute or chronic, and distinguishing its causes is important for appropriate management. In clinical settings, understanding phlebitis is crucial for surgical assistants and practitioners to prevent complications related to intravenous treatments.

Other conditions mentioned in the choices, such as inflammation of an artery or infections of the blood, do not accurately define phlebitis and are indicative of different medical issues such as arteritis and sepsis, respectively. Also, while allergic reactions to medication can cause inflammation, they do not specifically target veins or define the condition of phlebitis. This focus on the vein is what underlines the correctness of identifying option B as the proper definition of phlebitis.