A pregnant client is admitted at 23 weeks gestation due to vaginal bleeding and petechiae.  The provider orders blood work to evaluate for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).  Which of the following results would the nurse expect with this condition?

Explanation

• Patients with DIC will have an aPTT value longer than normal.

• DIC is a condition of an unknown cause and shows diffuse fibrin deposition within arterioles and capillaries. There is widespread, systemic coagulation and subsequent depletion of clotting factors. This prolongs PT and aPTT values of these patients.

• A positive D-dimer test indicates fibrin activation from widespread thrombus formation and breakdown in the body. This test is often used to support a diagnosis of DIC.

• The platelet count of patients with DIC is usually decreased.

• Hemoglobin normal ranges: 14–18 g/dL for men, 12–16 g/dL for women, >11 g/dL for pregnant females

•WBC normal range is 5,000–10,000 cells/ml

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