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Vitamin K Dependent Factors — FRCA Primary MCQ

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HardPhysiology - Gastrointestinal & HepaticVitamin K Dependent FactorsFRCA Primary

Which group contains all vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors and the vitamin K-dependent anticoagulant proteins?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Factors II, VII, IX, X, protein C, and protein S

The best answer is “Factors II, VII, IX, X, protein C, and protein S”. Vitamin K is required for gamma-carboxylation of factors II, VII, IX and X and of the anticoagulant proteins named protein C plus protein S. This modification permits calcium-dependent phospholipid binding. Warfarin inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase, thereby reducing functional synthesis of these factors rather than directly inhibiting their circulating activity.

Reference: Royal College of Anaesthetists, Primary FRCA Syllabus 2021: https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2026-01/Primary-FRCA-Syllabus.pdf