A pregnant woman arrives at the emergency department (ED) with abruptio placentae at 34 weeks’ gestation. She’s at risk for which of the following blood dyscrasias?
A. Heparin-associated thrombosis and thrombocytopenia (HATT)
B. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
C. Thrombocytopenia
D. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
Correct Answer: D. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
Abruptio placentae is a cause of DIC because it activates the clotting cascade after hemorrhage.
Option A: A patient with abruptio placentae wouldn’t get heparin and, as a result, wouldn’t be at risk for HATT.
Option B: ITP doesn’t have a definitive cause.
Option C: Thrombocytopenia results from decreased production of platelets.