17. The first step in hemostasis is __ 1. vascular spasm 2. conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin 3. activation of the intrinsic pathway 4. activation of the common pathway

## Step 1<br />Hemostasis is a process that prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. This process involves several steps, including vasoconstriction, platelet plug formation, and coagulation.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The first step in hemostasis is vasoconstriction, also known as vascular spasm. This is an immediate response to injury, where the blood vessel constricts to limit blood flow and reduce blood loss.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The other options, such as the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, activation of the intrinsic pathway, and activation of the common pathway, are all part of the coagulation process, which is the second step in hemostasis.