Pathophysiology
DIC is a condition where this process becomes abnormally widespread in the vascular system.
What is systemic activation of the clotting cascade?
This obstetric complication is a leading cause of DIC.
What is placental abruption or amniotic fluid embolism?
A hallmark skin finding in DIC is this.
What are petechiae or purpura?
This lab, normally 11–13 sec, is prolonged in DIC.
What is PT (prothrombin time)?
The first step in managing DIC is to treat this.
What is the underlying cause?
In DIC, clotting factors and platelets are consumed, leading to this paradoxical complication.
What is bleeding?
This severe infection can trigger DIC by releasing endotoxins.
What is sepsis (especially gram-negative)?
Oozing of blood from IV sites, surgical wounds, or mucous membranes is a sign of this complication.
What is bleeding due to consumption of clotting factors?
This lab, normally 25–35 sec, is prolonged in DIC.
What is aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time)?
Patients with severe bleeding may require transfusion of this blood product.
What is fresh frozen plasma (FFP)?
The initial trigger for DIC is usually widespread activation of this system.
What is the coagulation cascade?
DIC can develop after this type of major injury due to massive tissue damage.
What is trauma or burns?
Patients with DIC may show signs of poor perfusion such as this skin change.
What is cool, mottled extremities?
Platelet count is typically at this level in DIC.
What is low (thrombocytopenia)?
Low platelet counts may require transfusion of this.
What are platelets?
This substance, released from damaged tissue or placenta, is a common trigger of DIC.
What is tissue factor (thromboplastin)?
This cancer type is strongly associated with chronic DIC.
What is acute promyelocytic leukemia?
DIC patients often develop shortness of breath due to involvement of this organ.
What is the lungs (pulmonary microemboli/ARDS)?
This fibrin degradation product is elevated and used to help diagnose DIC.
What is D-dimer?
This controversial anticoagulant may be used in slowly evolving DIC to prevent further clotting.
What is heparin?
Microvascular thrombi in DIC can lead to this organ complication.
What is multi-organ dysfunction/failure?
In obstetrics, DIC may follow this hypertensive emergency.
What is HELLP syndrome or severe preeclampsia?
Limb pain and ischemia in DIC is caused by this process.
What is microvascular thrombosis?
Fibrinogen level in DIC is typically this.
What is low (hypofibrinogenemia)?
Nursing priority when caring for a DIC patient with active bleeding is to monitor this vital sign trend closely.
What is blood pressure for hypovolemic shock?