Recognising Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy for Nurses

Which of the following statements is true regarding DIC?

DIC is a viral disease contagious between cats and dogs

DIC is an always fatal disease process

There is no known treatment for DIC

DIC is an acquired syndrome in critical illness

The formation of a platelet plug occurs in:

Primary hemostasis

DIC

Secondary hemostasis

Hypercogulability

Which of the following prevents clot dissolution allowing for healing to occur?

Platelet plug

Fibrin

Antifibrinolysis

Inflammation

Cytokines are released in _____________ which can lead to DIC

Excitement

High body temperatures

Coagulation

Inflammation

Which of the following describes an inflammatory process?

Bone fracture

Parvovirus

Pancreatitis

All of the above are inflammatory processes

This test can be used to aid in the diagnosis of DIC

Packed cell volume and total protein

PT and aPTT

Liver function

Neurologic exam

Which of the following is more important when managing a patient with potential DIC?

Correct diagnosis

Appropriate symptomatic treatment

Heparin is proven beneficial in all DIC patients and should be administered early in the disease process

True

False

Veterinary nurses should be watching for which of the following in at-risk patients?

Signs of bleeding

Change in respiratory rate/pattern

Urine output

All of the above

In DIC patients, nutrition should be withheld until they are feeling better and can eat on their own

True

False