The nurse is caring for the patient who recently underwent a colectomy due to a bowel perforation and peritonitis. The nurse is preparing to administer the anticoagulant heparin to prevent which of the following blood disorders?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heparin is administered to prevent Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), a condition that can occur after major surgery or as a complication of sepsis, which can be related to peritonitis. DIC involves both thrombosis and hemorrhage due to widespread coagulation in small blood vessels, consumption of clotting factors, and platelets.

The Nurse Is Caring for the Patient Who Recently Underwent