National League for Nursing (NLN PAX) Practice Exam

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Which nutrient is crucial for blood clotting?

Calcium
Sodium
Potasium
Iron

The correct answer is: Calcium

Calcium plays a vital role in the blood clotting process, which is essential for preventing excessive bleeding when injuries occur. It acts as a cofactor in several steps of the coagulation cascade, facilitating the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. Thrombin, in turn, is necessary for converting fibrinogen into fibrin, the protein that forms the meshwork of a blood clot. Without adequate calcium, the clotting process would be impaired, leading to difficulties in achieving hemostasis. While sodium, potassium, and iron are important nutrients within the body, they do not have a direct role in the process of blood clotting. Sodium is primarily involved in fluid balance and nerve transmission, potassium is crucial for muscle function and heart health, and iron is a key component of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Therefore, calcium specifically stands out as the essential nutrient for effective blood coagulation.