Clotting

Question 1

Ecchymoses

Answer 1

Larger bruise caused by blood vessel leaking under skin

Question 2

Petechiae

Answer 2

<4mm
Flat, red, non-blanching spots.
From blood vessels leaking under skin.

Question 3

Purpura

Answer 3

4-10mm
Flat, red, non-blanching spots.
From blood vessels leaking under skin.

Question 4

Embolus

Answer 4

Anything that causes an embolism
(blood clot or air bubble)

Question 5

Embolism

Answer 5

Blocking of an artery

Question 6

Fibrin

Answer 6

Forms a mesh-like scaffold around the platelet plug to hold the clot in place. The last step of clotting.

Question 7

Fibrinogen

Answer 7

Protein that converts into fibrin

Question 8

Fibrinolysis

Answer 8

Breakdown of blood clots

Question 9

Hematopoiesis

Answer 9

The process that makes all blood cells

Question 10

Hemostasis

Answer 10

The process of stopping bleeding

Question 11

Prothrombin

Answer 11

Forms thrombin
(Vitamin K-dependent coagulation factor)

Question 12

Thrombin

Answer 12

Enzyme that converts fibrinogen to fibrin

Question 13

Thrombocyte

Answer 13

Platelet

Question 14

Thrombocytopenia

Answer 14

Too little platlets

Question 15

Thrombocytosis

Answer 15

Too many platlets

Question 16

Thrombus

Answer 16

blood clot

Question 17

Menorrhagia

Answer 17

Excessive or long-lasting menstrual bleeding

Question 18

What are the steps in the clotting process?

Answer 18

1. Vasoconstriction
2. Platelet plug forms (of platelets & collagen)
3. Activates clotting factors
4. Coagulation cascade that ends in fibrin

Question 19

What is the difference between the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation cascade?

Answer 19

Intrinsic: activated by damage to a vessel (via collagen exposure)
Extrinsic: activated by damage to tissue

Question 20

Top 3 consequences of excessive clotting

Answer 20

Brain - embolic stroke
Heart - heart attack
Lungs - embolism

Question 21

Top 2 risk factors for excessive clotting

Answer 21

1. Immobility = venous stasis = clots
2. Smoking causes vasoconstriction

Question 22

Top 2 risk factors for ineffective clotting

Answer 22

Meds, genetics (hemophilia)

Question 23

What are signs of a clot in the lungs?

Answer 23

Tachypnea, low o2 sat

Question 24

Top sign of a clot in the heart?
A clot in the brain?

Answer 24

Heart: chest pain
Brain: ALOC, stroke signs

Question 25

Top signs of a leg clot (dvt)?

Answer 25

🚩weak pulse at the site
Swelling, redness, pain

Question 26

Signs of ineffective clotting

Answer 26

Bleeding
Petechiae, purpura, ecchymoses
Hematuria
Swelling/blood in joints (esp. kids)
Enlarged spleen

Question 27

3 signs of both excessive & ineffective clotting

Answer 27

Tachypnea
Hypotension & Tachycardia

Question 28

What lab tests indicate ineffective clotting when high?

Answer 28

INR
PT
PTT

Question 29

What lab tests indicate excessive clotting when high?

Answer 29

Hemoglobin
Hematocrit
Platelet count
Fibrinogen

Question 30

Which lab test will reveal the presence of a clot?

Answer 30

D-dimer

Question 31

Important interventions for ineffective clotting

Answer 31

1. Apply pressure!
   Ice the area (vasoconstriction)
   Meds & Transfusions
   Bleeding precautions
   Fall precautions
   Education

Question 32

What activities can cause bleeding in patients w/ineffective clotting?

Answer 32

Sports
Constipation/straining
Suppositories/tampons/enemas
Vigorous sex
Using a razor/hard toothbrush

Question 33

Important interventions for excessive clotting

Answer 33

Meds & Education:
Avoid foods w/ lots of Vitamin K
Compression socks
Lifestyle changes