Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What is a contraindication for sclerotherapy?

1. Diabetes

2. Pregnancy

3. Hypertension

4. Obesity

The correct answer is: Pregnancy

The correct answer identifies pregnancy as a contraindication for sclerotherapy. During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes significant changes, including alterations in hormone levels that can increase the risk of complications. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into veins to eliminate them, and while it is generally a safe procedure, the effects on both the mother and the developing fetus remain uncertain. It is often recommended to avoid elective procedures during pregnancy to ensure the safety of both the mother and child. The other options, while they may have some degree of consideration when evaluating a patient's overall health or treatment plan, do not carry the same level of contraindication as pregnancy does. For instance, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity may require additional monitoring and care during treatments but do not outright prohibit the use of sclerotherapy. Healthcare providers can often manage these conditions in patients, allowing for safe procedures as long as the patient's overall health is evaluated carefully.