Exam | Portage Learning |Q&A | 26/27 Edition
1. Which of the following best describes the primary function of the coagulation cascade?
A) To produce red blood cells in the bone marrow
B) To convert soluble plasma proteins into an insoluble fibrin clot
C) To break down existing clots in the bloodstream
D) To transport oxygen to tissues throughout the body
Correct Answer: To convert soluble plasma proteins into an insoluble fibrin clot
Rationale: The coagulation cascade is a series of enzymatic reactions that convert soluble fibrinogen into
insoluble fibrin, forming a stable clot to stop bleeding. Thrombocyte (platelet) formation occurs in the
bone marrow. Clot breakdown is fibrinolysis, and oxygen transport is the function of red blood cells.
2. What is the term for the process of platelet formation?
A) Thrombopoiesis
B) Hemostasis
C) Fibrinolysis
D) Coagulation
Correct Answer: Thrombopoiesis
Rationale: Thrombopoiesis is the process of platelet formation that takes place primarily in the bone
marrow. Hemostasis is the overall process of stopping bleeding. Fibrinolysis is the breakdown of clots,
and coagulation is the clotting process itself.
3. Which of the following is a hypercoagulable state? (Select all that apply)
A) Congestive heart failure
B) Smoking
,C) Postsurgical state
D) Hemophilia A
Correct Answer: Congestive heart failure, Smoking, Postsurgical state
Rationale: Hypercoagulable states are conditions that promote excessive clotting. Congestive heart
failure leads to sluggish blood flow, smoking causes endothelial injury, and postsurgical states increase
clotting risk. Hemophilia A is associated with bleeding, not hypercoagulability.
4. A deficiency of which clotting factor is associated with hemophilia A?
A) Factor VIII
B) Factor IX
C) Factor XI
D) von Willebrand factor
Correct Answer: Factor VIII
Rationale: Hemophilia A is an X-linked recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII.
Hemophilia B is factor IX deficiency, and von Willebrand disease involves von Willebrand factor.
5. Which of the following defects is associated with hemophilia A?
A) Autosomal dominant gene mutation
B) Defective gene on the X chromosome
C) Defective gene on the Y chromosome
D) Mitochondrial gene defect
Correct Answer: Defective gene on the X chromosome
Rationale: Hemophilia A is inherited as an X-linked recessive disorder. The defective gene is located on
the X chromosome, meaning males are more commonly affected.
, 6. Which of the following is TRUE of hemophilia A?
A) Platelet count is decreased
B) Spontaneous joint bleeding can occur
C) Aspirin is recommended to prevent clots
D) The PT is prolonged
Correct Answer: Spontaneous joint bleeding can occur
Rationale: Hemophilia A is associated with an increased risk of hemarthroses (spontaneous joint
bleeding) due to factor VIII deficiency. Platelet count is normal, aspirin should be avoided as it worsens
bleeding, and PTT (not PT) is prolonged.
7. Which laboratory finding is characteristic of hemophilia A?
A) Prolonged PT
B) Prolonged PTT
C) Decreased platelet count
D) Increased fibrinogen level
Correct Answer: Prolonged PTT
Rationale: Hemophilia A results in a prolonged PTT (partial thromboplastin time) because factor VIII is
part of the intrinsic pathway. PT measures the extrinsic pathway and is typically normal, and platelet
count is normal.
8. Which of the following statements regarding disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is FALSE?
A) Obstetric disorders are the main cause of DIC
B) Sepsis is a common cause of DIC
C) Trauma is a common cause of DIC
D) DIC is characterized by increased PT and PTT