DIC Practice Questions (Test #4, Fall 2020)

Questions and Answers

What intervention would the nurse include in the plan of care for a client with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)?

Using a standard pain scale to evaluate and monitor pain

Assessing level of consciousness (correct)

Providing emotional support

Applying cool compresses to painful joints

Which order from the healthcare provider would the nurse expect for a patient with chronic DIC?

Administer oxygen

Administer heparin via continuous infusion pump (correct)

Administer fresh frozen plasma

Administer platelet infusion

Which diagnostic test does the nurse anticipate will be required for a client at risk for developing DIC?

Electrolyte panel

Coagulation studies (correct)

CT scan

X-rays

Which assessment findings would support the diagnosis of acute DIC? (Select all that apply)

Pale, cool extremities Signup and view all the answers

Which interventions will the nurse provide to support the client in pain with DIC? (Select all that apply)

Using standard pain scale to evaluate and monitor pain and analgesic effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory findings would support the diagnosis of DIC? (Select all that apply)

The presence of fragmented red blood cells called schistocytes Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment finding supports the nursing diagnosis for potential hemorrhagic shock in a client with DIC?

Oozing of blood around the IV site Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment is included in the health history portion for a client with DIC? (Select all that apply)

History of abnormal bleeding episodes Signup and view all the answers

Which collaborative therapies might a client with DIC require? (Select all that apply)

Monitoring need for mechanical ventilation Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment findings would support the diagnosis of chronic DIC? (Select all that apply)

The client has a history of cancer Signup and view all the answers

What conditions would the nurse include as possibly related to the development of DIC? (Select all that apply)

Preeclampsia Signup and view all the answers

Which finding supports the diagnosis of DIC for a client?

Prolonged prothrombin time Signup and view all the answers

For which signs/symptoms should the nurse monitor a client in labor with HELLP syndrome?

Pink-tinged urine Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) Assessment and Management

DIC is a serious condition characterized by excessive clotting leading to depletion of clotting factors, causing bleeding.
Essential assessments include monitoring level of consciousness and evaluating for signs of hemorrhagic shock such as oozing around IV sites.
Key diagnostic test for DIC is coagulation studies showing prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and decreased platelet count.

Interventions and Supportive Care

Pain management strategies include using a standard pain scale, applying cool compresses to painful areas, and handling extremities gently.
Providing emotional support and encouraging frequent turning and coughing are also important for overall care.
Collaborative therapies may involve oxygen administration, monitoring for intracranial bleeding, and assessing organ damage.

Laboratory Findings

Elevated fibrin degradation products, decreased platelet count, and presence of schistocytes are indicative of DIC.
DIC diagnosis may also be supported by a history of conditions such as abnormal bleeding episodes, recent spontaneous abortions, and known malignancies.

DIC can be precipitated by fetal demise, septic abortion, and preeclampsia, often leading to systemic complications.
Prolonged retention of a nonviable fetus is a significant risk for DIC due to consumption of maternal clotting factors.

Treatments and Medications

Treatment primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause of DIC, replacing coagulation factors, and may involve administering heparin.
Fresh frozen plasma and platelet infusions are commonly used to replace deficient blood components; however, warfarin (Coumadin) is contraindicated in DIC.
Continuous monitoring of vital signs, including urinary output and signs of internal bleeding, is crucial.

Clinical Manifestations

Early signs of acute DIC include unexpected bleeding, petechiae, and signs of organ dysfunction such as hematuria or focal ischemia.
Symptoms such as increasing abdominal girth can suggest internal bleeding, necessitating immediate evaluation and intervention.

Educational Considerations

Nurses should provide education on recognizing signs of DIC and the importance of rapid reporting of symptoms to healthcare providers.
Understanding the implications of lab tests, such as prolonged PT, is essential in predicting and managing DIC complications.

Description

This quiz consists of practice questions focused on Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) tailored for nursing care. Test your knowledge regarding the interventions necessary for promoting tissue perfusion in patients with DIC. Perfect for nursing students preparing for exams.