A patient with septicemia acutely develops a deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. No evidence of hemorrhage is noted. Laboratory studies have revealed prolonged clotting times, moderate thrombocytopenia, and an elevated D-dimer level. A diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation is made. Administration of which of the following therapies will be most effective at resolving this patient’s DIC?

Question

A patient with septicemia acutely develops a deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. No evidence of hemorrhage is noted. Laboratory studies have revealed prolonged clotting times, moderate thrombocytopenia, and an elevated D-dimer level. A diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation is made. Administration of which of the following therapies will be most effective at resolving this patient&rsquo;s DIC?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics. The primary treatment for DIC is resolving the underlying cause.  In this patient, the underlying cause is sepsis. Therefore, antibiotic therapy will be the most effective at resolving the patient&rsquo;s DIC. Although the patient&rsquo;s platelets are low, the patient does not have evidence of bleeding at this time. Platelets are administered to stop bleeding, not to correct lab levels unless the platelet count is very low. Although the patient will require heparin for treatment of the DVT and PE, this does not stop the DIC. Fluid administration is important to protect the vasculature from the microemboli that can occur in DIC, but this will not resolve the DIC.

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Rationale

Additional Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies Questions

Nursing Careers

Nursing Degrees

NCLEX