Question

Which of the following laboratory test results would the nurse expect to find in a child with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?

A) Shortened prothrombin time
B) Increased fibrinogen level
C) Positive fibrin split products
D) Increased platelets

Answer 1

A child with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) would have a shortened prothrombin time, positive fibrin split products, and increased platelets.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a child with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the nurse would expect to find the following laboratory test results:

A) Shortened prothrombin time: DIC disrupts the normal blood clotting process, leading to a shortened prothrombin time.

C) Positive fibrin split products: DIC causes excessive activation of the clotting system, leading to the production of fibrin split products.

D) Increased platelets: In DIC, there is a consumption of platelets in the clotting process, resulting in decreased platelet levels.