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?

Choice A reason: DIC involves platelet consumption, leading to thrombocytopenia, not an elevated platelet count. Abnormal coagulation depletes fibrinogen and platelets, causing bleeding. Stating elevated platelets is incorrect, as DIC’s pathophysiology involves their reduction, making this an inaccurate teaching statement. Choice B reason: DIC is caused by abnormal coagulation, where widespread clotting consumes fibrinogen, leading to fibrinolysis and bleeding. This accurately describes DIC’s mechanism in septic shock, where sepsis triggers clotting cascades, making it the correct statement for client education. Choice C reason: DIC is not caused by vitamin K deficiency, which affects liver-dependent clotting factors. DIC results from systemic clotting activation, as in sepsis, consuming fibrinogen and platelets. This statement is incorrect, misrepresenting DIC’s etiology in the context of septic shock. Choice D reason: DIC is an acute condition managed with underlying cause treatment (e.g., sepsis) and supportive care, not lifelong heparin. Heparin may be used cautiously in some cases, but lifelong use is inaccurate, making this an incorrect teaching statement.