ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7ScienceMedium
A client is diagnosed with a condition affecting the ability of their blood to clot effectively, leading to prolonged bleeding after minor injuries. A deficiency in which plasma protein is most likely responsible for this condition?
- AGlobulin
- BFibrinogen
- CHemoglobin
- DAlbumin
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Fibrinogen
Fibrinogen is a crucial plasma protein that is converted into fibrin during the clotting cascade. Fibrin forms the meshwork of a blood clot, trapping blood cells and sealing the injured vessel. A deficiency in fibrinogen directly impairs the body's ability to form stable blood clots.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Globulins include antibodies and transport proteins, with some involved in clotting, but fibrinogen is the direct mesh-forming protein.
- C. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells and transports oxygen, not involved in clotting.
- D. Albumin is primarily responsible for maintaining osmotic pressure and transporting substances, not clotting.
Fibrinogen
A soluble plasma protein that is converted into insoluble fibrin during the coagulation cascade, forming the structural basis of a blood clot.
- Synthesized in the liver.
- Essential for hemostasis (stopping bleeding).
- Its deficiency or dysfunction leads to bleeding disorders.
Memory trick: Fibrinogen Forms the Final Framework.