Removal of a client's peripheral intravenous catheter resulted in brief bleeding and the loss of a small amount of blood. Which of the following processes occurred during the formation of the platelet plug that helped to stop blood flow?
A)
Activation of factor X
B)
Conversion of prothrombin to thrombin
C)
Release of von Willebrand factor from the epithelium
D)
Conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin threads

C)  Release of von Willebrand factor (vWF) from the endothelium, not the epithelium.

Explanation:

Hemostasis is the physiological process of reparation and maintenance of a blood vessel to stop excess loss of blood in case of vascular injury. This process occurs in four stages:

Platelet plug formation occurs by the adhesion of circulating platelets to the collagen fibers that have been exposed by dislodging of the endothelial cells. The endothelium, as well as the platelets release a ligand known as the von Willebrand factor (vWF). This molecule acts as a relay or bridge between the integrin receptors on the platelets and the exposed collagen fibers.

Platelets also release chemicals to attract more platelets to the wound site, resulting in more vWF release. This results in more and more platelets adhering to the endothelium, leading to platelet plug formation.