a-toxin-inhibits-hepatic-synthesis-of-fibrinogen-and-several-clotting-factors-wh

Question

A toxin inhibits hepatic synthesis of fibrinogen and several clotting factors. Which immediate clinical lab and physical signs would you evaluate to confirm the expected physiological effect?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged clotting times (prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time) on lab tests and increased bruising or bleeding tendency on physical exam

Answer

Immediate loss of vision because clotting factors are required inside retinal photoreceptors for light transduction

Answer

Elevated fasting blood glucose due to clotting factor inhibition increasing gluconeogenesis in the liver

Answer

Hyperreflexia and spasticity because clotting factor deficiency directly increases neuromuscular excitability