The nurse is reviewing the chart for a patient with septic shock. Which of the following lab findings indicate the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?

A. PT 22 seconds (reference range 12-16 seconds): Prolonged prothrombin time indicates impaired clotting factor function and consumption, which is a hallmark of DIC. In septic shock, widespread activation of coagulation leads to both microvascular thrombosis and depletion of clotting factors, resulting in a prolonged PT and increased bleeding risk. B. Fibrinogen 450 mg/dL (reference range 200-400 mg/dL): Fibrinogen is usually decreased in DIC due to consumption in widespread clot formation. An elevated fibrinogen level suggests an acute-phase response rather than DIC, as fibrinogen is also an acute-phase reactant in inflammation. C. Platelet count 480,000/mm3 (140,000-400,000/mm3): DIC typically causes thrombocytopenia from platelet consumption in microvascular clot formation. An elevated platelet count indicates reactive thrombocytosis rather than consumptive coagulopathy, making it inconsistent with DIC. D. D-dimer 0.15 mg/mL (reference range <25 mg/mL): D-dimer levels increase in DIC as fibrin clots are broken down, reflecting ongoing fibrinolysis. A value within the normal range suggests that extensive clot breakdown is not occurring, which argues against active DIC.