A 57-year-old male patient in DIC is to receive 1 unit of packed red blood cells over 2 hours. There is 250 mL in the infusion bag. The IV administration infusion set delivers 10 gtts/mL. At what flow rate (in drops per minute) should the nurse run the infusion?

Record your answer using a whole number.

In the early stage of septic shock, the body initiates compensatory mechanisms to combat the infection and restore adequate tissue perfusion. Tachypnoea (rapid breathing) and tachycardia (elevated heart rate) are common early signs of septic shock.
Tachypnoea occurs as a response to increased metabolic demand and to compensate for impaired oxygenation and tissue perfusion. Tachycardia is the body's attempt to maintain cardiac output and compensate for decreased blood pressure.
B. Pallor and cool skin in (option B) is incorrect because Pallor and cool skin can occur in later stages of septic shock when perfusion to the peripheral tissues is compromised. However, they are not specific to the early stage.
C. Blood pressure 84/50 mm Hg in (option C) is incorrect because A blood pressure reading of 84/50 mm Hg indicates hypotension, which is typically seen in later stages of septic shock. In the early stage, blood pressure may still be within normal or slightly decreased range.
D. Respiratory acidosis in (optionD) is incorrect because: Respiratory acidosis refers to an imbalance in acid-base status and is not specific to the early stage of septic shock. Acid-base disturbances may occur at any stage of shock but are not indicative of the early stage.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition characterized by both widespread activation of the coagulation system and excessive clotting, leading to the consumption of clotting factors and platelets. This results in a prothrombotic state, which can lead to organ dysfunction and bleeding manifestations.
Elevated D-dimer levels are a characteristic finding in DIC. D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product that is elevated when there is excessive fibrin formation and breakdown. Elevated D-dimer indicates ongoing fibrinolysis and activation of the clotting system.
B. Decreased prothrombin time in (option B) is incorrect because: DIC is characterized by consumption of clotting factors, which can result in prolongation of the prothrombin time (PT) as well as other coagulation tests.
C. Decreased partial thromboplastin time in (option C) is incorrect because Similar to the prothrombin time, the partial thromboplastin time (PTT) can also be prolonged in DIC due to the consumption of clotting factors.
D. Elevated fibrinogen level in (option D) is incorrect because, In DIC, there is consumption of fibrinogen along with other clotting factors. Therefore, elevated fibrinogen levels are not consistent with the pathophysiology of DIC.