ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam Related

Review ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam related questions and content

A nurse is assessing a client who has disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

  • A. Excessive thrombosis and bleeding
  • B. Clotting of the mucous membranes
  • C. Increase in platelet count
  • D. Excessive red blood cell count
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Excessive thrombosis and bleeding. In DIC, there is a widespread activation of the clotting cascade leading to formation of microthrombi, causing excessive clotting. However, as the clotting factors are depleted, bleeding can occur. This results in a paradoxical situation of both thrombosis and bleeding. B is incorrect as clotting of mucous membranes is not specific to DIC. C is incorrect as platelet count is usually decreased in DIC due to consumption. D is incorrect as excessive red blood cell count is not a characteristic of DIC.