Inpatient Obstetric Nurse Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, commonly abbreviated as DIC, is a serious condition characterized by widespread activation of the clotting cascade, leading to the formation of blood clots throughout the small blood vessels of the body. This abnormal response results in the consumption of clotting factors and platelets, which can lead to severe bleeding complications.

The term "disseminated" refers to the fact that the coagulation process is occurring throughout the vascular system rather than being localized to a single area. Understanding this terminology is crucial for healthcare professionals, particularly those in obstetrics, as DIC may occur in various clinical situations, such as during pregnancy, postpartum, or in serious conditions like sepsis or trauma.

The other options do not accurately reflect the phenomenon of DIC. "Decreased Intravascular Coagulation" and "Diffuse Internal Clotting" do not describe the widespread and complex coagulation process that defines DIC. "Dynamic Intravascular Coagulation" is not a recognized medical term. The precise definition of DIC and its implications in various clinical settings, especially in obstetrics, underscores the importance of recognizing and responding swiftly to this potentially life-threatening condition.