A patient who presents with DIC would most likely have which of the following sets of coagulation test results? $\begin{array}{llll}
&\text { PT } & \text { PTT } & \text { D-dimer } & \text { Fibrinogen } \
\hline a.&\text { Prolonged } & \text { prolonged } & \text { elevated } & \text { decreased } \
b.&\text { Normal } & \text { prolonged } & \text { normal } & \text { normal } \
c.&\text { Prolonged } & \text { prolonged } & \text { decreased } & \text { increased } \
d.&\text { Normal } & \text { prolonged } & \text { decreased } & \text { decreased }
\end{array}$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

a. Prolonged PT (Prothrombin Time), prolonged PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time), elevated D-dimer, and decreased Fibrinogen.
DIC is a complex condition that involves both thrombosis and hemorrhage. In DIC, there is widespread activation of the coagulation cascade, which leads to the generation of thrombin and the formation of fibrin clots throughout the small blood vessels. This process consumes coagulation factors and platelets, leading to a paradoxical increased risk of bleeding.
- PT and PTT are prolonged because the coagulation factors are consumed in the process of widespread clotting, leading to a deficiency of these factors and a subsequent delay in clot formation during testing.
- D-dimer is elevated because it is a degradation product of fibrin and reflects the increased fibrinolysis that occurs in response to the widespread fibrin formation.
- Fibrinogen levels are decreased because it is consumed during the formation of fibrin clots.
Therefore, option a is the correct answer, reflecting the typical laboratory findings in a patient with DIC.

A Patient Who Presents with DIC Would Most Likely Have