Medical Emergencies · single question
A patient has liver cirrhosis. What will be primarily affected regarding dental treatment planning?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Prolonged bleeding time
- A. While fibrinogen IS decreased in cirrhosis, 'prolonged bleeding' is the more complete answer that encompasses all mechanisms of the coagulopathy.
- B. Albumin IS decreased in cirrhosis, but the most clinically relevant dental concern is coagulopathy.
- C. Cirrhosis causes THROMBOCYTOPENIA (decreased platelets) due to splenomegaly and decreased thrombopoietin — NOT increased platelets.
- D. Liver cirrhosis causes PROLONGED BLEEDING through: (1) decreased clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X, V — all liver-synthesized), (2) thrombocytopenia from splenomegaly, (3) decreased fibrinogen, (4) elevated fibrinolysis. Together these produce coagulopathy — the most clinically relevant finding for dental treatment planning.
Practice Medical Emergencies questions Medical Emergencies study notes