Thrombocytopenia and DIC
NCLEX-RN glossary · Physiological Adaptation
Definition
Thrombocytopenia is a simple low platelet count, while Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a complex consumption coagulopathy involving both widespread clotting and bleeding.
Thrombocytopenia and DIC in plain English
DIC is a life-threatening emergency where microvascular thrombi cause organ ischemia during the initial clotting phase, requiring treatment of the underlying cause. A frequent error is treating DIC simply as a bleeding disorder and overlooking the initial widespread clotting phase that leads to multisystem organ failure.
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