Question

The nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). What is the first priority of care?

A. Administer heparin.
B. Administer whole blood.
C. Treat the causative problem.
D. Administer fresh frozen plasma.

Answer 1

The first priority of care for a patient with DIC is to treat the causative problem.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first priority of care for a patient with a diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is to treat the causative problem. DIC is a serious condition that occurs as a result of an underlying illness or injury, such as sepsis, trauma, or cancer. It involves the abnormal activation of the body's clotting system, leading to the formation of small blood clots throughout the body and causing organ damage. In order to effectively manage DIC, it is important to identify and address the underlying cause, such as treating the infection in cases of sepsis or stopping the bleeding in cases of trauma.