Haemostasis

Question 1

Define haemostasis

Answer 1

A rapid, local prevention of bleeding in damaged blood vessels

Question 2

What are the steps of haemostasis

Answer 2

1. Vascular spasm/vasoconstriction
2. Platelet plug formation
3. Coagulation (blood clotting)

Question 3

What is Clot retraction?

Answer 3

Tightens the clot pulling the damaged vessels edges together

Question 4

What is Fibrinolysis?

Answer 4

• Fibrinolysis is the process of dissolving the clot following repair
• Helps to prevent blood vessels from blocking inappropriately

Question 5

Describe Vascular spasm

Answer 5

Narrowing the blood vessels slows blood flow and reduces blood loss for 20-30 minutes

Question 6

Describe Platelet plug formation

Answer 6

Seals the damaged area in the blood vessel temporarily

Question 7

Describe Coagulation

Answer 7

Formation of stable clot, fibrin threads form a mesh to reinforce the platelet plug, to seal the damaged area while tissue is repaired

Question 8

A high reticulocyte count might indicate

Answer 8

Increased production of red blood cells

Question 9

Clotting may occur in an undamaged blood vessel. When that clot breaks loose and circulates through the bloodstream it is called

Answer 9

An embolus

Question 10

During clotting, prothrombin is activated to form?

Answer 10

Thrombin

Question 11

Fibrinolysis refers to?

Answer 11

Dissolution of a clot