Reduction of Risk Potential Q 7

---

An 18-year-old male client admitted with heat stroke begins to show signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which of the following laboratory findings is most consistent with DIC?

  

     A. Low platelet count

     B. Elevated fibrinogen levels

     C. Low levels of fibrin degradation products

     D. Reduced prothrombin time

    

    

Correct Answer: A. Low platelet count

---

In DIC, platelets and clotting factors are consumed, resulting in microthrombi and excessive bleeding. As clots form, fibrinogen levels decrease and the prothrombin time increases.

---

Option B: Severe, rapidly evolving DIC is diagnosed by demonstrating thrombocytopenia, an elevated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time, increased levels of plasma D-dimers, and a decreasing plasma fibrinogen level.

Option C: Fibrin degradation products increase as fibrinolysis takes place.

Option D: Both PT and aPTT seem prolonged in about 50% of DIC cases which is attributed to the consumption of coagulation factors but can also be prolonged in impaired synthesis of coagulation factors and in massive bleeding.

---