Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

What is a crucial factor in the treatment of DIC related to its underlying causes?

1. Frequent monitoring of vitals

2. Immediately starting anticoagulant therapy

3. Identifying and addressing the trigger

4. Providing oxygen support

The correct answer is: Identifying and addressing the trigger

Identifying and addressing the underlying trigger of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is essential because DIC is not a primary disease but a secondary complication often related to other serious conditions, such as sepsis, trauma, or obstetric complications. It is crucial to recognize the inciting cause, as effective management of DIC hinges on treating that primary condition. Without addressing the underlying cause, any symptomatic treatment may only provide temporary relief and could even exacerbate the coagulopathy. For instance, if DIC is provoked by an infection, administering antibiotics to resolve the infection will likely improve the patient's condition and resolve DIC gradually. Similarly, in cases of malignancy-associated DIC, managing the cancer with appropriate therapies is vital. Each of these triggers requires a specific intervention, emphasizing the importance of identifying the cause to tailor the treatment effectively. Other options may serve supportive roles. Monitoring vital signs is essential to assess the patient’s ongoing condition, anticoagulant therapy could be part of the treatment depending on the clinical scenario, and oxygen support is critical in cases of hypoxia. However, these measures do not address the fundamental issue, which is the need to correct the triggering factor of DIC.