Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

A blood clot in the brain can lead to which medical event?

1. A heart attack

2. A stroke

3. An aneurysm

4. A pulmonary embolism

The correct answer is: A stroke

A blood clot in the brain directly leads to a stroke, specifically an ischemic stroke, which occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced. This interruption deprives brain cells of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in cell death and potentially long-term neurological damage. Other options do not relate directly to a blood clot specifically located in the brain. A heart attack pertains to the heart and is caused by blood clots obstructing blood flow in the coronary arteries. An aneurysm involves a bulge in a blood vessel and can lead to bleeding but is not a result of a clot directly. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, but this scenario involves clots originating from other areas in the body, typically the legs or pelvis, rather than from the brain. Thus, a blood clot in the brain is most accurately associated with causing a stroke.