Acute Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation is a serious physiological condition which, if left untreated, can lead to hemorrhage and ultimately death. Learn how to recognize potential signs and provide the proper care when necessary.
Case Study
Critical care transport has been arranged for a 28 year-old male admitted to the four-bed ICU of a local hospital three days ago with weakness and hypotension. Four days prior, the patient reported sustaining a bite while hiking in the woods. A large hematoma exists on his left arm. He has no prior medical history, no drug allergies and takes no medications.
Upon arrival of the transport team, the patient is awake and alert in moderate respiratory distress. He is oozing blood from both vascular access sites, his nose, and his urinary catheter. His skin is cool and mildly jaundiced. Vital signs include a heart rate of 110 beats per minute and regular blood pressure of 92/44, slightly labored respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute, and a pulse oximetry reading of 91 percent. He has received 2 liters of IV crystalloid, 1 unit of type-specific packed red blood cells (PRBC), and is on dopamine at 5 mcg/kg/min.
