Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What is the primary function of heparin in the body?

1. Stimulates red blood cell production

2. Prevents coagulation

3. Absorbs nutrients

4. Regulates body temperature

The correct answer is: Prevents coagulation

The primary function of heparin in the body is to prevent coagulation, which is the process of blood clotting. Heparin is an anticoagulant, meaning it helps to inhibit the formation of blood clots by enhancing the activity of antithrombin III, a protein that inactivates several enzymes in the coagulation cascade. This function is crucial in managing conditions where there is a risk of thrombosis (the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel), thereby maintaining proper blood flow and reducing the risk of complications associated with clotting. The other options refer to different physiological processes. Stimulating red blood cell production pertains to erythropoietin and other factors, while absorbing nutrients relates to the digestive system and nutrient transport. Regulation of body temperature involves mechanisms in the hypothalamus and skin responses, which are unrelated to the action of heparin. Understanding the specific role of heparin provides clarity on its importance in medical settings, particularly in the prevention of blood clots during and after surgical procedures, and in the treatment of certain cardiovascular conditions.