A patient is admitted to the intensive care unit after she develops disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)after a vaginal delivery.DIC is known to occur in patients with retained placental fragments.What is the result of DIC?
A) Hypersensitive response to an antigen, resulting in anaphylaxis
B) Depletion of clotting factors and excessive fibrinolysis, resulting in simultaneous microvascular clotting and hemorrhage
C) Vasodilatation, resulting in hypotension
D) Septic shock, resulting in vasodilation and decreased perfusion

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

DIC results simultaneously in microvascular clotting and hemorrhage in organ systems, leading to thrombosis and fibrinolysis in life-threatening proportions.Clotting factor derangement leads to further inflammation and further thrombosis.Microvascular damage leads to further organ injury.Cell injury and damage to the endothelium activate the intrinsic or extrinsic coagulation pathways.

A Patient Is Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit After