Final answer:
The priority in the care of a patient diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is to treat the causative problem.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the priority of collaborative care is to treat the causative problem. Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a complex disorder that involves both excessive clotting and bleeding tendencies due to the overactivation of the body's clotting mechanisms. Treating the underlying cause of DIC is vital because until it is addressed, the coagulopathy is likely to continue. Only after the underlying cause is being managed should the treatment address the hemostatic abnormalities, potentially with blood products or anticoagulants depending on whether the clinical presentation is more thrombotic or hemorrhagic.