A 40-year-old female develops disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The most likely cause of this condition is:
A) snake venom.
B) blood transfusion.
C) sepsis.
D) immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

DIC is most commonly caused by sepsis, which triggers a widespread activation of the clotting cascade and subsequent depletion of clotting factors and platelets. Snake venom and blood transfusion can cause DIC as well, but they are less common causes. ITP is a disorder in which a person's immune system attacks their own platelets, leading to low platelet count and an increased risk of bleeding. It is not typically associated with DIC.

A 40-Year-Old Female Develops Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)