Question

Bleeding is stopped by applying \(\mathrm{FeCl}_{3}\) because: (a) blood starts flowing in opposite direction (b) \(\mathrm{FeCl}_{3}\) seals the blood vessels (c) blood gets coagulated (d) blood vessel is sealed

Short answer

Option (c), blood gets coagulated, is the correct answer. \(\mathrm{FeCl}_{3}\) is found to cause coagulation, or clottings, in the blood which helps staunch bleeding.

Step-by-step solution

Identify False Options

Examine the given options and rule out those which are logically incorrect. Here, option (a) is not viable because \(\mathrm{FeCl}_{3}\) would not cause the blood to flow in the opposite direction. Option (b) is also incorrect, \(\mathrm{FeCl}_{3}\) does not seal blood vessels.

Evaluate Remaining Options

Evaluate the remaining options that could possibly be correct. Here, we have two left - option (c): the blood gets coagulated and option (d): the blood vessel is sealed. \(\mathrm{FeCl}_{3}\) is known to be a coagulative agent, which points to option (c) as being the correct one. It is unlikely that \(\mathrm{FeCl}_{3}\) seals the blood vessel, as it works on blood coagulation rather than manipulating the blood vessels themselves.

Choose The Correct Option

The correct answer is then the one that is logically and scientifically correct according to the properties and use of \(\mathrm{FeCl}_{3}\). Therefore, the correct answer is option (c): the blood gets coagulated.

Key concepts

Blood Coagulation

In the human body, blood coagulation is a critical process that prevents excessive bleeding when a vessel is injured. It is a complex series of events that involves blood cells, proteins, and platelets coming together to form a clot and seal the wound.
Once a blood vessel is damaged, the body activates a coagulation cascade. This is a sequence of events involving different proteins called clotting factors. Each factor activates the next in the pathway, ultimately leading to the production of fibrin, a protein that forms a mesh to hold the clot together.

• Platelets: Small cells that run to the site of injury, stick together, and form a temporary "plug" to stop bleeding.
• Clotting Factors: These are proteins in the blood plasma that are vital to the clotting process.
• Fibrin: A strong protein that helps "glue" the clot in place.

Coagulation can take between a few seconds to several minutes depending on the severity of the injury. Understanding the role of chemical agents like FeCl₃ in this process provides insight into their medical applications.

FeCl3 Properties

Iron(III) chloride, FeCl₃, is a chemical compound with several important properties that make it valuable in various applications, including medicine. It appears as a dark brown or yellow powder and is highly soluble in water, forming a pale yellow solution. FeCl₃ is known for its coagulative properties, meaning it can facilitate the process of clotting by supporting the aggregation of blood components that form clots.
When FeCl₃ comes in contact with blood, it causes the proteins in the blood to denature and initiate coagulation. This response is vital in situations where rapid stopping of bleeding is necessary, such as treating small cuts or in surgical settings.

• Appearance: Dark brown or yellowish powder.
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water, making it easy to use in aqueous solutions.
• Coagulative Property: Promotes blood clotting by interacting with blood proteins.

These characteristics make FeCl₃ a useful tool in emergency medicine and surgical practices where quick blood clotting is essential to prevent excessive bleeding.

Chemical Reactions in Medicine

In medical treatments, chemical reactions play a critical role, especially when rapid interventions are necessary. FeCl₃ is often used in the medical field due to its chemical reaction with blood proteins, aiding in the coagulation process.
These reactions are essential in procedures aimed at controlling hemorrhage or during surgeries where significant blood loss could occur. In medicine, controlled chemical reactions are increasingly crucial due to their ability to provide quick and effective therapeutic outcomes.

• Coagulation Enhancement: FeCl₃ reacts with proteins in the blood, leading to faster clot formation.
• Applications: Used in emergency treatment for cuts or surgical wounds to minimize blood loss.
• Efficiency: The effectiveness of these reactions helps reduce complications from blood loss.

Understanding these chemical mechanisms allows medical professionals to apply effective treatment strategies to enhance patient safety and recovery.