What does agonal coagulation refer to in medical terms?

Agonal coagulation refers specifically to the transformation of blood from a fluid state into a thickened or clotted mass during the dying process or moments before death. This phenomenon is generally observed as the body moves toward death or in the final moments of life when circulation becomes compromised. As blood flow decreases and the heart ceases to pump effectively, blood can start to clot due to several physiological changes, including the activation of clotting factors and the effects of stagnant blood.

The other options do not accurately define agonal coagulation. Fluid retention pertains to the accumulation of fluids within the body, often related to various medical conditions, while a reaction to excessive heat describes a different physiological response, commonly associated with heatstroke or heat exhaustion. An increase in blood circulation is also unrelated, as agonal coagulation occurs as circulation diminishes at the end of life. Thus, the correct answer highlights the specific pathological change in the blood associated with the dying process.