A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). What should the nurse recognize as the underlying mechanism of DIC?

A) Incorrect. In DIC, platelet consumption and depletion occur due to widespread clot formation, leading to a decreased platelet count.

B) Incorrect. While inadequate production of clotting factors could lead to bleeding disorders, DIC is characterized by uncontrolled activation of the clotting cascade, leading to excessive clot formation initially, followed by consumption of clotting factors and increased bleeding.

C) Correct. DIC is a serious condition in which there is widespread activation of the clotting cascade, causing the formation of numerous small blood clots throughout the body. These clots can lead to organ dysfunction and excessive bleeding.

D) Incorrect. DIC is associated with decreased platelet count due to the consumption of platelets in the formation of multiple small clots.

Questions

A) Incorrect. Bradycardia is not typically an early sign of compensatory response to hypovolemia. The body often responds to hypovolemia with an increased heart rate (tachycardia).

B) Correct. In the early stages of hypovolemia, the body may attempt to compensate by increasing blood pressure to maintain perfusion to vital organs.

C) Incorrect. Warm, flushed skin may be present in the initial stages of hypovolemia, but it is not necessarily an early sign of compensatory response.

D) Incorrect. Decreased urine output is a later sign of hypovolemia when the body's compensatory mechanisms are no longer effective in maintaining blood flow to the kidneys.