Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

Which type of medication is responsible for causing bleeding into the tissues when a patient exercises?

1. Anticoagulant agents

2. Diuretic agents

3. Beta-blockers

4. Calcium channel blockers

The correct answer is: Anticoagulant agents

Anticoagulant agents are specifically designed to reduce the blood's ability to clot, which is beneficial in preventing blood clots in conditions like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. When a patient taking anticoagulants engages in exercise, the likelihood of bleeding into the tissues increases due to the altered hemostatic mechanism. This means that while exercising, there may be increased stress on the blood vessels, and the reduced clotting ability of the blood can result in bleeding or bruising more easily than in individuals not on these medications. Other types of medications listed, such as diuretic agents and beta-blockers, do not directly influence blood clotting mechanisms in the same way and are primarily used for conditions like hypertension or heart failure. Calcium channel blockers similarly do not play a role in the coagulation process but are instead used to manage blood pressure and cardiac conditions. Therefore, anticoagulant agents are uniquely associated with the risk of bleeding when a patient exercises.