1. The client/caregiver can define dissemi- nated intravascular coagulation and list risk factors.
   1. It is a disorder of the clotting factors. Small blood clots can form throughout the body and deplete the clotting mechanism. This leaves the body unprotected at sites of real tissue injury and unable to clot.
   2. Risk factors include the following:
      • Blood infections
      • Severe tissue injury (burns, etc.)
      • Cancer
      • Reactions to blood transfusions
      • Obstetrical complications
      • Severe liver disease
2. The client/caregiver can describe symptoms and possible complications.
   1. Symptoms are as follows:
      • Bleeding, possibly from multiple site in the body
      • Clot formation evidenced by bluish coloration of the fingers
      • Sudden and unexplained bruising
   2. Possible complications are as follows:
      • Severe bleeding
      • Stroke
      • A lack of blood flow to arms, legs, or major organs can cause tissue damage
   3. Seek emergency assistance if symptoms or complications occur.

Resource

National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus
www.medlineplus.gov

National Institutes of Health
www.nlm.nih.gov/

References

Ackley, B. J., & Ladwig, G. B. (2006). Nursing diagnosis handbook: A guide to planning care. Philadelphia: Mosby Inc.
Cohen, B. J., & Wood, D. L. (2000). Memmler’s the Human Body in Health and Disease (9th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Taylor, C., Lillis, C., & LeMone, P. (2005). Fundamentals of nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Timby, B. K., & Smith, N. C. (2003). Introductory medical-surgical nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Credits

Client Teaching Guides for Home Health Care, 2nd ed.
© 2008 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.
www.jbpub.com