👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team🕐 Updated 2026-07-11🏷️ Physiological Adaptation🔖 Free to read, print, and share
💡
Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
🩺
📌
Mech
Key facts
widespread clotting uses up factors
then NO clotting → massive bleed
triggers: sepsis, OB, trauma, cancer
🩺
Signs
What to look for
bleeding from EVERY site
oozing IV/incision, petechiae
cyanotic digits (microclots)
🧪
Labs
Key numbers
↑D-dimer, ↑PT/PTT, ↓platelets
↓fibrinogen, ↑FDP
✅
Do
Nursing actions
TREAT underlying cause first
FFP, platelets, cryoprecipitate
O2, monitor bleeding/clots
✨
Quick Tip
Diffuse microclotting consumes platelets and clotting factors, then causes uncontrolled bleeding.