A patient with septic shock develops Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). Which pathophysiological process should the nurse identify as the cause of the coagulation problem?

Choice A rationale

Production of extra platelets is not the primary pathophysiological process in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC). While the body may try to produce more platelets in response to the widespread clotting, this is not the cause of the coagulation problem.

Choice B rationale

Depletion of clotting factors is a key feature of DIC. In the initial phase of DIC, there is an overactive clotting process leading to the formation of small blood clots throughout the body’s blood vessels. This overactive clotting uses up platelets and clotting factors, leading to a state where the body is unable to control bleeding, which is the second phase of DIC34.

Choice C rationale

Inhibition of red blood cell production is not a primary feature of DIC. While DIC can lead to anemia due to blood loss from excessive bleeding, it does not directly inhibit the production of red blood cells.

Choice D rationale

Activation of complement pathways is part of the body’s immune response and is not the primary cause of the coagulation problem in DIC34.

Choice A rationale

Serum albumin levels can be relevant in assessing nutritional status and the body’s ability to heal wounds. However, they do not directly indicate the presence of infection or purulent drainage.

Choice B rationale

Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood and is not directly related to the presence of purulent drainage at a burn wound site. Elevated hematocrit may indicate dehydration or hemoconcentration but does not specifically address the issue of wound infection.

Choice C rationale

Serum blood glucose (BG) level is not directly related to the presence of purulent drainage at a burn wound site. Elevated BG levels might be seen in clients with diabetes or as a stress response, but they are not the primary indicator of infection or wound complications.

Choice D rationale

Neutrophil count is a key laboratory value to note when a client with a full-thickness burn has purulent drainage at the wound. An elevated neutrophil count can indicate an infection, which could be the cause of the purulent drainage.