Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

In this lesson, we will identify what disseminated intravascular coagulation is and what causes it.  We will go over systemic signs and symptoms of disseminated intravascular coagulation that nurses will be assessing for and review testing used to confirm the diagnosis.  We will then look at nursing interventions for disseminated intravascular coagulation along with some of the potential complications nurses will be monitoring for. Finally we will review important safety precautions to prevent complications, bleeding, and further tissue damage.

Learning Objectives:

Upon the completion of this lesson, learners will be able to:

1. Describe disseminated intravascular coagulation 
2. Recall causes and risk factors for developing disseminated intravascular coagulation
3. Recognize diagnostic testing used to confirm disseminated intravascular coagulation
4. Summarize systemic signs and symptoms of disseminated intravascular coagulation
5. dentify potential complications of disseminated intravascular coagulation
6. Explain treatments for disseminated intravascular coagulation
7. Determine priority nursing interventions for treating disseminated intravascular coagulation