Final answer:
FFP is used to supply deficient coagulation factors in DIC, and heparin is a short-acting anticoagulant that helps prevent further clotting, allowing the body to replenish its supply of platelets and factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) may be useful in the treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) because it contains all the coagulation factors necessary to aid in correcting the underlying coagulopathy. DIC is characterized by widespread coagulation in the blood vessels, leading to depletion of platelets and clotting factors, which causes uncontrollable bleeding. FFP can replace the missing factors and help stabilize the patient's condition.
Heparin, on the other hand, is a short-acting anticoagulant found in basophils and on the surfaces of cells lining the blood vessels. It opposes the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, which is crucial in forming clots. In the case of DIC, where excessive clot formation is occurring, heparin can be used therapeutically to prevent further clotting and allow time for the body to replenish its supply of platelets and coagulation factors.