The nurse admits a client with sepsis and has developed cool ecchymotic fingertips and toes. The healthcare provider determines that the client has developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which findings support the pathophysiology of DIC?

Glucosuria and lethargy.

Frothy urine and anorexia.

Hematuria and hemoptysis.

Polyuria and productive cough.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a serious condition characterized by widespread activation of coagulation throughout the body, leading to both thrombosis and hemorrhage. Here's why option C is the correct choice:

A) Glucosuria and lethargy:

Glucosuria (presence of glucose in the urine) and lethargy are not typical findings associated with DIC. Glucosuria may indicate diabetes mellitus or renal dysfunction, while lethargy can result from various causes but is not specific to DIC.

B) Frothy urine and anorexia:

Frothy urine may indicate proteinuria, which can occur in conditions such as nephrotic syndrome, but it is not a characteristic finding of DIC. Anorexia (loss of appetite) is a nonspecific symptom that can occur in many conditions but is not directly related to DIC.

C) Hematuria and hemoptysis:

Correct. Hematuria (blood in the urine) and hemoptysis (coughing up blood) are common manifestations of DIC. In DIC, widespread activation of the coagulation cascade can lead to microthrombi formation in small blood vessels, resulting in tissue ischemia and bleeding. Hematuria and hemoptysis can occur due to bleeding from the urinary tract or respiratory system, respectively, as a result of DIC-induced coagulopathy.

D) Polyuria and productive cough:

Polyuria (excessive urination) and productive cough (cough with production of sputum) are not specific findings of DIC. Polyuria may occur in conditions such as diabetes mellitus or diuretic use, while productive cough can be seen in respiratory infections or chronic lung diseases but is not directly related to DIC.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Deficiency of factors VIII or IX.

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder characterized by deficient or defective clotting factors, specifically factors VIII (hemophilia A) or IX (hemophilia B). These clotting factors are essential for the formation of stable blood clots. Therefore, if hemophilia is present, the deficiency of factors VIII or IX can lead to impaired clot formation and prolonged bleeding.

B) Diminished amount of vitamin K:

Vitamin K deficiency can lead to impaired blood clotting due to inadequate synthesis of clotting factors in the liver. However, hemophilia is specifically associated with deficiencies in factors VIII or IX, not vitamin K.

C) Decreased amount of platelets:

Platelets play a crucial role in primary hemostasis and initial platelet plug formation at the site of vascular injury. While decreased platelet count or dysfunction can lead to bleeding disorders such as thrombocytopenia or platelet function disorders, hemophilia specifically involves deficiencies in clotting factors, not platelets.

D) Missing factors V and VII:

Factor V and VII are other clotting factors involved in the coagulation cascade, but they are not deficient in hemophilia. Hemophilia is specifically characterized by deficiencies in factors VIII (hemophilia A) or IX (hemophilia B).

A. Flank pain and profound hypotension. B. Acute shortness of breath and chest pain. C. Absent pedal pulses and darkened toes. D. Tea-colored urine and decreased output.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Flank pain and profound hypotension:

Correct. Flank pain, often described as a deep, constant, gnawing, or throbbing sensation in the abdomen or back, can be a sign of impending rupture or dissection of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Profound hypotension may occur if the AAA ruptures, leading to massive internal bleeding and shock. Prompt recognition of these signs is crucial for early intervention and surgical repair to prevent catastrophic consequences.

B) Acute shortness of breath and chest pain:

Acute shortness of breath and chest pain are more indicative of cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions such as myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, or acute coronary syndrome rather than an abdominal aortic aneurysm. While aortic dissection can present with chest pain, it is typically described as severe, tearing, or ripping pain that radiates to the back, not as acute shortness of breath.

C) Absent pedal pulses and darkened toes:

Absent pedal pulses and darkened toes may indicate peripheral vascular disease or critical limb ischemia but are not specific signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. While AAA can lead to peripheral ischemia in advanced cases, it is not typically associated with acute changes in pedal pulses or toe discoloration.

D) Tea-colored urine and decreased output:

Tea-colored urine and decreased urine output may indicate acute kidney injury or rhabdomyolysis but are not specific signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. While a ruptured AAA can lead to renal ischemia and acute kidney injury due to hypoperfusion, these symptoms are not the primary manifestations of AAA

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

The nurse admits a client with sepsis and has developed cool ecchymotic fingertips and toes. The healthcare provider determines that the client has developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which findings support the pathophysiology of DIC?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

In caring for an infant after circumcision, the nurse observes continued bleeding from the site and suspects hemophilia. Which hematological components are insufficient causing bleeding if hemophilia is present?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

When planning care for a client who is diagnosed with a large abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), the nurse should carefully monitor for which signs and symptoms?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client's ankle is edematous after an ankle sprain. Which physiological mechanism is responsible for the swelling?

Which physiological process supports the exchange of blood concentrations across a semipermeable membrane in the hemodialysis?

When developing a teaching plan for a client with peripheral artery disease, the nurse should explain that intermittent claudication occurs as the result of which underlying pathophysiology?

The nurse is providing care for a client with a diagnosis of otosclerosis due to previous ear surgeries. Which type of pathological hearing loss supports the client's clinical history?

A client with end stage emphysema is experiencing poor gas exchange. Which respiratory structure is associated with the pathophysiological processes in emphysema?

How are Type IV hypersensitivity reactions different from all other types (I, II, or III) of hypersentivity reactions?

A client reports experiencing blurry central vision that has recently worsened. Which pathological process supports the client's subjective report?