DIC Basics
DIC
What is Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation?
Small, pinpoint red or purple spots seen in DIC
What is petechiae?
Lab test measures clotting time and is prolonged in DIC
What is Prothrombin Time (PT)?
The first priority in managing a patient with DIC
What is treating the underlying cause?
A patient with DIC develops bleeding gums and a nosebleed. Abnormal lab test result
What is a prolonged PT or low platelet count?
Critical underlying condition that can trigger DIC
What is bacterial sepsis, trauma, or malignancy?
Bleeding from surgical or IV sites
What is oozing?
Lab test, elevated in DIC, detects fibrin degradation products in the blood
What is the D-dimer test?
Blood product that might be administered to a patient with DIC
What is platelets or plasma?
A patient with DIC has severe abdominal pain and distention.
What is internal bleeding?
Organ system is directly affected by DIC
What is the circulatory system?
Large bruises caused by bleeding into the skin
What is ecchymosis?
Low platelet count in DIC
What is thrombocytopenia?
Used in certain cases to prevent excessive clotting
What are anticoagulants?
Patient with DIC has petechiae and an oozing PICC line. Immediate action to take.
What is notify the physician and monitor for further bleeding?
The primary pathophysiological mechanism behind DIC
What is the overactivation of the clotting cascade leading to simultaneous clotting and bleeding
Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by blocked blood flow
What is organ failure?
Coagulation factor commonly depleted in DIC
What is fibrinogen?
Supportive therapy is often needed to stabilize DIC patients
What is IV fluids or oxygen therapy?
Complication when patient has a significant drop in platelet count and reports abdominal pain.
What is internal bleeding or hemorrhage?
The breakdown of blood clots, which is accelerated in DIC
What is fibrinolysis?
Urinary complication resulting from decreased blood flow to the kidneys
What is oliguria or reduced urine output?
Normal range for Platelet Count that is significantly reduced in DIC
What is 150,000-450,000/mm³?
Advanced treatment considered for DIC patients with severe clotting complications despite supportive therapy?
What is anticoagulant therapy?
Physician suspects DIC in a post-surgical patient. Diagnostic test for this conditionWhat is a coagulation study panel
What is a coagulation study panel? (PT, aPTT, D-dimer, and platelet count)