Week 9

A new patient has been brought to the intensive care from the C-section suite. The baby is healthy with normal APGAR scores. During closing, the surgeon noted a hemorrhage occurring in the abdomen. After the prolonged procedure to repair the artery was concluded, the patient had received 15 units of packed red blood cells, 10 units of fresh frozen plasma, and 5 units of platelets. The patient is in the ICU at risk for disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC).

• What is the physiology behind DIC after an enormous amount of blood products?
• Discuss specific assessment findings you are looking for and the diagnostic workup you need to monitor.
• Explain findings that will prompt you to begin treatment for DIC and outline appropriate treatment for DIC.
• What are the risk factors you need to take into consideration when developing a treatment plan for this patient?

Support your summary and recommendations plan with a minimum of two APRN-approved scholarly resources.