A medication given to dissolve a blood clot is a(n) _.
A. thrombolytic
B. hematinic
C. antihemorrhagic
D. antiplatelet
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A. thrombolytic.
Thrombolytic medications are designed to dissolve blood clots that can obstruct blood flow in the arteries or veins. These medications work by activating the fibrinolytic system, which breaks down fibrin, the protein that helps blood clots form. By promoting the breakdown of the clot, thrombolytics help restore normal blood circulation to affected areas, reducing the risk of complications such as heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism.
Common examples of thrombolytic agents include alteplase, streptokinase, and tenecteplase. These drugs are typically administered in emergency settings, such as during a heart attack or ischemic stroke, to reduce the severity of tissue damage and improve patient outcomes. The timing of thrombolytic therapy is crucial because it is most effective when administered early, ideally within a few hours of the clot formation.
In contrast, the other options listed are not related to clot dissolution:
- B. Hematinic refers to medications or substances that increase the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin levels, such as iron supplements or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.
- C. Antihemorrhagic medications are used to prevent or stop bleeding, typically through the promotion of clot formation rather than dissolving existing clots.
- D. Antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, prevent platelets from aggregating and forming clots but do not directly dissolve clots that have already formed.
Therefore, thrombolytics are the appropriate class of medications used specifically for clot dissolution in clinical settings.