A nurse reviews laboratory values for a client with cancer and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Which lab values should the nurse anticipate? Select all that apply.

Rationale: A. FDPs are formed when plasmin breaks down fibrin clots. In DIC, the body forms numerous clots that are subsequently lysed, resulting in elevated FDPs in the bloodstream. Elevated FDPs indicate active clot formation and breakdown. B. PT measures the extrinsic pathway of coagulation. In DIC, clotting factors (such as fibrinogen, prothrombin, and factor V) are depleted, leading to prolonged PT. This prolongation indicates impaired clotting ability and risk for bleeding. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is often prolonged as well, reflecting intrinsic pathway involvement. C. D-dimer is a specific marker of fibrin degradation. Elevated d-dimer levels are a sensitive indicator that widespread clotting and fibrinolysis are occurring, which is characteristic of DIC. Clinically, d-dimer is often used to help confirm DIC in conjunction with other lab abnormalities. D. Fibrinogen is a key clotting factor consumed during the formation of fibrin clots. In DIC, widespread clotting depletes fibrinogen levels, leaving the client at increased risk for spontaneous bleeding. Low fibrinogen is a critical laboratory clue supporting the diagnosis of DIC. E. Platelets are consumed rapidly in DIC as they adhere to forming clots. This results in thrombocytopenia, not elevation. A low platelet count is expected and contributes to bleeding risk. An elevated platelet count would be inconsistent with the pathophysiology of DIC.