Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) is characterized by?

1. Usually a primary disorder

2. A hemorrhagic episode from an initial lack of clotting mechanisms

3. Widespread inappropriate clotting that triggers bleeding

4. Diagnosed by an increase level of clotting factors

The correct answer is: Widespread inappropriate clotting that triggers bleeding

Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) is indeed characterized by widespread inappropriate clotting that subsequently triggers bleeding in other areas of the body. This condition involves a complex interplay between coagulation and fibrinolysis, leading to the formation of blood clots throughout the small vessels. As these clots form, they consume clotting factors and platelets, which eventually contributes to a paradoxical increase in bleeding. This is why patients with DIC can present with both microvascular thrombi and systemic hemorrhage. The pathophysiology of DIC is often initiated by an underlying condition, which could be sepsis, trauma, or malignancy, among others. These triggering factors can cause the release of procoagulant substances into the circulation, leading to the overactivation of the coagulation cascade. Recognizing the distinctive nature of DIC is crucial in clinical practice, as it helps direct appropriate treatment strategies aimed at addressing both the coagulation disturbances and the underlying cause of the disorder.