A patient with a history of easy bruising and bleeding is found to have a deficiency of factor XIII. What is the primary clinical manifestation of this deficiency?

A Prolonged bleeding time
B Easy bruising and bleeding due to impaired clot stability ✓
C Thrombocytopenia
D Anemia

Explanation

Factor XIII stabilizes clots by cross-linking fibrin molecules. A deficiency of factor XIII leads to impaired clot stability, resulting in easy bruising and bleeding.

Source

Hematology: Clinical Principles and Applications
Hematology Hematology: Coagulation Disorders Hematology: Coagulation Disorders Hard MEDICAL Confidence: medium