Page 440 - Critical Care Nursing Demystified

Chapter 9 CARE OF THE PATIENT WITH CRITICAL HEMATOLOGIC NEEDS 425

TABLE 9–8 Signs and Symptoms of DIC by Body Systems
Body System Signs/Symptoms
Central nervous system Changes in the level of consciousness
Changes in behavior or mentation
Confusion
Seizures
Symptoms of stroke; paresthesias, paralysis
Cardiovascular Tachycardia
Chest pain
Hypotension
Symptoms of MI
Pain in extremities
Decreased peripheral pulse
Gangrene in fingers, toes, nose, and ears
(prolonged hypoxemia)
Bleeding around IV and central line sites
Respiratory Shortness of breath
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Symptoms of PE
Bleeding around ETT if intubated
Genitourinary Oliguria or anuria
Hematuria
Bleeding around uretheral indwelling catheter
Vaginal bleeding
Gastrointestinal Bloody stool
Hematemesis
Abdominal cramping or pain
Integumentary Pale skin
Petechiae and ecchymosis
Musculoskeletal Back pain or tenderness
Other Bleeding from any traumatized or surgical sites

taking place, so a close look at the patient’s risk factors and watching laboratories
and body systems can help identify DIC early.

Treatment
There is no single acceptable treatment for DIC. Few studies confirm the best
treatment.