A nurse is assessing a patient and suspects the patient is experiencing disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which physical findings would the nurse expect?

A. Low protein, low carb: A diet low in protein and carbohydrates does not meet the increased metabolic demands of burn patients. Protein is essential for tissue repair and immune function, while carbohydrates provide energy to prevent catabolism of lean body mass.

B. High protein, high calorie: Burn patients have hypermetabolic states that significantly increase energy and protein requirements. High-protein intake supports collagen synthesis, wound repair, and immune function, while high-calorie intake prevents muscle breakdown and provides sufficient energy for the healing process.

C. High carb, low protein: While carbohydrates provide energy, inadequate protein intake impairs wound healing and tissue regeneration. A diet emphasizing carbohydrates without sufficient protein does not support the critical anabolic processes needed for burn recovery.

D. Low sodium, low protein: Restricting protein in burn patients delays wound healing and compromises immune response. Sodium restriction may be indicated in certain fluid balance scenarios but is not a priority for promoting tissue repair. Adequate protein and caloric intake remain the primary nutritional focus.

A. Reduced fibrin split products (FSPs): In DIC, fibrin is excessively formed and subsequently broken down, leading to increased, not reduced, fibrin split products. A reduction in FSPs would not support the diagnosis and may indicate a laboratory error or absence of active clot breakdown.

B. Elevated fibrinogen: Fibrinogen is typically consumed during the coagulation process in DIC, leading to decreased levels rather than elevated. Low fibrinogen contributes to bleeding tendencies observed in patients with DIC.

C. Reduced prothrombin time (PT): In DIC, coagulation factors are depleted, resulting in a prolonged PT. A shortened PT is not consistent with consumptive coagulopathy and does not support the diagnosis.

D. Elevated D-dimer: D-dimer is a degradation product of cross-linked fibrin and is markedly elevated in DIC due to widespread clot formation and subsequent fibrinolysis. Elevated D-dimer is a key laboratory finding supporting the presence of acute DIC and correlates with active intravascular coagulation and bleeding risk.