DIC

Question 1

What does DIC stand for?

Answer 1

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

Question 2

What is DIC?

Answer 2

A serious disorder where widespread clotting and bleeding occur due to an overactivated coagulation cascade.

Question 3

What usually triggers DIC?

Answer 3

A severe underlying condition that activates the clotting cascade.

Question 4

Give an example of a condition that can trigger DIC.

Answer 4

Postpartum hemorrhage

Question 5

What happens to the coagulation cascade in DIC?

Answer 5

It becomes overactivated, causing microclots to form throughout small blood vessels.

Question 6

What happens after microclots form?

Answer 6

The body uses up platelets and clotting factors, leading to deficiency and bleeding.

Question 7

Describe the DIC cycle in simple terms.

Answer 7

Trigger → Clotting → Platelet/clotting factor use → Bleeding → Clot breakdown → Worsened bleeding → Cycle continues.

Question 8

What are some common triggers of DIC?

Answer 8

• Infections (esp. sepsis)
• Trauma
• Cancer (end-stage)
• Obstetric complications
• Severe burns
• Hemolytic transfusion reaction
• Major surgery

Question 9

What obstetric complication can cause DIC?

Answer 9

Postpartum hemorrhage (may require hysterectomy)

Question 10

What infection is a major cause of DIC?

Answer 10

Sepsis

Question 11

What are the bleeding signs of DIC?

Answer 11

• Petechiae
• Ecchymoses
• Bleeding gums
• Epistaxis
• GI bleed
• Hematuria
• Bleeding from invasive sites

Question 12

What are the systemic or clotting-related signs of DIC?

Answer 12

• Hypotension
• Tachycardia
• Confusion/AMS
• Fever
• AKI
• Respiratory failure
• Liver dysfunction
• Cardiac compromise

Question 13

Why does AKI occur in DIC?

Answer 13

Because microclots block blood flow to the kidneys.

Question 14

What is the first priority in DIC management?

Answer 14

Treat the underlying cause (e.g., infection, trauma, cancer, obstetric cause).

Question 15

What diagnostic test shows low platelets in DIC?

Answer 15

CBC

Question 16

What happens to PT and PTT in DIC?

Answer 16

They are prolonged (blood is very thin).

Question 17

What happens to fibrinogen levels in DIC?

Answer 17

Low, because it’s used up in excessive clotting.

Question 18

What happens to D-Dimer levels in DIC?

Answer 18

Elevated, due to breakdown of microclots.

Question 19

Why is the D-Dimer elevated?

Answer 19

It indicates active fibrinolysis — the body is breaking down clots.

Question 20

What lab combination strongly suggests DIC?

Answer 20

Low platelets, prolonged PT/PTT, low fibrinogen, and elevated D-dimer.

Question 21

What is the general approach to DIC treatment?

Answer 21

Treat cause, replace what’s missing, support organs, prevent complications.

Question 22

What is the treatment if the patient is bleeding in DIC?

Answer 22

• Platelet transfusion if <50,000
• Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) if PT/aPTT prolonged
• Cryoprecipitate if fibrinogen <100

Question 23

What blood product replaces fibrinogen?

Answer 23

Cryoprecipitate

Question 24

What is given if PT/aPTT are prolonged?

Answer 24

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP)

Question 25

When are platelets given in DIC?

Answer 25

When platelet count is <50,000.

Question 26

What is given in severe, refractory bleeding when other treatments fail?

Answer 26

Recombinant Activated Factor VII

Question 27

When is Heparin used in DIC?

Answer 27

When clotting is more problematic than bleeding.

Question 28

What other medication may be used to treat excessive clotting?

Answer 28

Antithrombin III

Question 29

What organ supports may be required for DIC?

Answer 29

• Renal support (AKI) • Respiratory support (ARDS) • Hemodynamic support (shock)

Question 30

What are the nursing priorities for DIC?

Answer 30

• Frequent VS monitoring • Assess for bleeding/clotting • Monitor lab values • Monitor organ function • Track treatment effectiveness

Question 31

What are the goals of nursing care in DIC?

Answer 31

• Prevent additional bleeding • Prevent new clots • Support organ function • Maintain fluid/electrolyte balance

Question 32

What lab trends should nurses watch in DIC?

Answer 32

Platelets ↓, PT/PTT ↑, Fibrinogen ↓, D-dimer ↑

Question 33

What does nursing monitoring for organ dysfunction include?

Answer 33

Checking for renal failure, respiratory distress, mental changes, and poor perfusion.

Question 34

What should nurses teach patients/families about DIC?

Answer 34

• What DIC is and why it’s happening • Why blood products are needed • Signs of bleeding/clotting • Importance of close monitoring

Question 35

Why is fluid and electrolyte management important in DIC?

Answer 35

To support circulatory stability and prevent hypoperfusion of organs.