Hemostasis
The body's process of stopping bleeding through clot formation
Definition
Hemostasis is the physiologic process of stopping blood loss through a coordinated sequence: vasoconstriction, platelet plug formation (primary), and coagulation cascade activation (secondary).
Stages
- Vascular phase: Vessel constriction.
- Primary hemostasis (platelet plug): Platelet adhesion, activation, aggregation.
- Secondary hemostasis (coagulation cascade): Fibrin formation stabilizes plug.
- Fibrinolysis: Clot breakdown (plasmin) after healing.
Disorders of Hemostasis
- Bleeding disorders: Thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, DIC, liver disease
- Clotting disorders: Factor V Leiden, antiphospholipid syndrome, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)
Nursing Considerations
Monitor platelets, PT/INR, aPTT, fibrinogen. Implement bleeding precautions for coagulopathy; DVT prophylaxis for hypercoagulability, for DIC, treat underlying cause and support with blood products.
NCLEX Relevance
Understanding hemostasis underpins anticoagulation and bleeding management.