Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

What is the alternative name for Hemophilia B?

1. Christmas disease

2. Rosenthal's syndrome

3. Factor VIII deficiency

4. Von Willebrand disease

The correct answer is: Christmas disease

Hemophilia B is also known as Christmas disease, named after an individual named Stephen Christmas, who was one of the first patients identified with this condition in the 1950s. This bleeding disorder is caused by a deficiency of clotting factor IX, which is essential for normal blood clotting. The alternative name highlights the historical context of its discovery as well as the specific deficiency associated with Hemophilia B, differentiating it from other bleeding disorders that may have similar symptoms but different causes. In contrast, the other terms listed describe different conditions. Factor VIII deficiency refers specifically to Hemophilia A, which is distinct from Hemophilia B due to its association with factor VIII rather than factor IX. Von Willebrand disease is another bleeding disorder, but it is caused by a problem with von Willebrand factor, which is critical for platelet adhesion and also plays a role in carrying factor VIII. Rosenthal's syndrome is less commonly known and refers to a completely different medical condition not related to hemophilia. Thus, understanding the terms associated with coagulation factors and their respective disorders helps in recognizing and differentiating between them in clinical practice.