Identify the drug that is an effective thrombolysis medication.

Identify the drug that is an effective thrombolysis medication.

• A. Heparin
• B. Alteplase
• C. Warfarin
• D. Aspirin

Answer: (B)

The main concept tested is dissolving an existing clot, or thrombolysis. Alteplase is a thrombolytic agent, a tissue plasminogen activator, that activates plasminogen to plasmin. Plasmin then digests fibrin, the protein mesh holding the clot together, effectively dissolving the clot and restoring blood flow. Heparin and warfarin are anticoagulants that prevent new clots from forming or existing clots from growing, but they don’t actively break down clots. Aspirin is an antiplatelet that reduces platelet aggregation rather than dissolving fibrin. So, alteplase best fits the description of an effective thrombolysis medication.

The main concept tested is dissolving an existing clot, or thrombolysis. Alteplase is a thrombolytic agent, a tissue plasminogen activator, that activates plasminogen to plasmin. Plasmin then digests fibrin, the protein mesh holding the clot together, effectively dissolving the clot and restoring blood flow. Heparin and warfarin are anticoagulants that prevent new clots from forming or existing clots from growing, but they don’t actively break down clots. Aspirin is an antiplatelet that reduces platelet aggregation rather than dissolving fibrin. So, alteplase best fits the description of an effective thrombolysis medication.