How does the drug heparin act in hemostasis?
A) Heparin inhibits thrombin and factor XA.
B) Heparin prevents the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin.
C) Heparin shortens the fibrin strands to retract the blood clot.
D) Heparin degrades the fibrin within blood clots.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heparin acts by inhibiting thrombin and factor XA, which are key players in the coagulation cascade. This prevents the formation of blood clots and therefore helps in preventing the formation of thrombi. Heparin does not prevent the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin or shorten fibrin strands, nor does it degrade fibrin within blood clots.

How Does the Drug Heparin Act in Hemostasis