A nurse is assessing a client who has disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Excessive thrombosis and bleeding
Increased clotting factors
Progressive increase in platelet production
Immediate sodium and fluid retention
The Correct Answer is A
A. Excessive thrombosis and bleeding
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a complex and serious condition characterized by widespread activation of the coagulation cascade, leading to both excessive clot formation (thrombosis) and simultaneous consumption of clotting factors and platelets, resulting in bleeding. DIC can occur as a secondary complication to various conditions such as sepsis, trauma, or obstetric complications.
B. Increased clotting factors: In DIC, there is consumption and depletion of clotting factors, not an increase.
C. Progressive increase in platelet production: Platelet production does not increase in DIC; instead, there is consumption and decreased platelet count.
D. Immediate sodium and fluid retention: DIC is not associated with immediate sodium and fluid retention; instead, it is characterized by fluid loss due to bleeding.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Excessive thrombosis and bleeding
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a complex and serious condition characterized by widespread activation of the coagulation cascade, leading to both excessive clot formation (thrombosis) and simultaneous consumption of clotting factors and platelets, resulting in bleeding. DIC can occur as a secondary complication to various conditions such as sepsis, trauma, or obstetric complications.
B. Increased clotting factors: In DIC, there is consumption and depletion of clotting factors, not an increase.
C. Progressive increase in platelet production: Platelet production does not increase in DIC; instead, there is consumption and decreased platelet count.
D. Immediate sodium and fluid retention: DIC is not associated with immediate sodium and fluid retention; instead, it is characterized by fluid loss due to bleeding.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Platelets 156,000/mm³: This platelet count is within the normal range (normal range: 150,000 to 400,000/mm³). Although disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) can lead to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), the platelet count in this scenario is not indicative of DIC.
B. Fibrinogen 85 mg/dL: This is the correct answer. A decreased fibrinogen level is often seen in DIC. Fibrinogen is consumed in the formation of microclots, and a low level may indicate ongoing coagulation.
C. PT 12 seconds: The prothrombin time (PT) is within the normal range. In DIC, the PT may be prolonged due to the consumption of clotting factors, but in this case, the PT is normal.
D. PTT 64 seconds: The partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is prolonged, which can be an indication of DIC. However, the more specific indicator in this scenario is the low fibrinogen level.
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