ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam Related

Review ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam related questions and content

A nurse is explaining DIC to a client with septic shock. What should the nurse say?

  • A. DIC is caused by abnormal coagulation involving fibrinogen.
  • B. DIC is due to a vitamin K deficiency.
  • C. DIC is caused by bone marrow suppression.
  • D. DIC results from an underactive clotting system.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is characterized by abnormal coagulation involving fibrinogen. In DIC, there is widespread activation of the clotting cascade leading to the formation of microthrombi. This process consumes clotting factors like fibrinogen, leading to bleeding tendencies. Vitamin K deficiency (B) primarily affects the production of clotting factors, but it is not the direct cause of DIC. Bone marrow suppression (C) and an underactive clotting system (D) are not accurate explanations for DIC.