Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

------------------------------------------------------------ Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a life-threatening emergency in which the body's normal clotting system becomes overactivated throughout the bloodstream. Instead of forming clots only where needed, the body begins producing thousands of tiny blood clots within blood vessels. These widespread clots consume large amounts of platelets and clotting factors. Once these clotting components become depleted, the patient can no longer clot effectively, resulting in severe bleeding. DIC is often summarized as: "Excessive clotting followed by excessive bleeding." It is not a disease itself but rather a complication of another serious condition. Early recognition by the practical nurse can save a patient's life because deterioration may occur rapidly. ------------------------------------------------------------