A nurse is teaching a client who has septic shock about the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. "DIC is characterized by an elevated platelet count. This is incorrect. DIC is characterized by consumption of platelets, leading to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), not elevation. B. "DIC is controllable with lifelong heparin usage. Heparin may be used in some acute cases of DIC, but it is not lifelong nor always indicated. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause. C. "DIC is a genetic disorder involving a vitamin K deficiency." DIC is acquired, not genetic, and it is not caused by vitamin K deficiency. It results from abnormal widespread clotting and bleeding due to systemic activation of coagulation. D. "DIC is caused by abnormal coagulation involving fibrinogen." Correct. In DIC, fibrinogen is consumed along with platelets, leading to the formation of microthrombi and bleeding due to depletion of clotting factors.