Question

A patient is admitted to the intensive care unit with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) associated with a gram-negative infection. Which assessment information has the most immediate implications for the patient's care?

A) There is no palpable radial or pedal pulse.
B) The patient reports chest pain.
C) The patient's oxygen saturation is 87%.
D) There is mottling of the hands and feet

Answer 1

The most immediate implication for the patient's care is the absence of a palpable radial or pedal pulse, indicating poor circulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assessment information that has the most immediate implications for the patient's care is A) There is no palpable radial or pedal pulse. In disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the body forms small blood clots throughout the blood vessels, leading to organ damage and a decreased blood supply. The absence of a palpable radial or pedal pulse indicates poor circulation, which is a severe complication requiring immediate attention.