A patient is admitted after she develops disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)after a vaginal delivery.The nurse knows that DIC is known to occur in patients with retained placental fragments.What is the pathophysiologic consequence of DIC?
A) Hypersensitivity response to an antigen
B) Excessive thrombosis and fibrinolysis
C) Profound vasodilatation
D) Loss of intravascular volume

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (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 After She Develops Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation