What physical symptom should a nurse anticipate in a client suspected of having DIC?

When assessing a client suspected of having Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), one of the hallmark symptoms to anticipate is epistaxis, or nosebleeds. DIC is characterized by the widespread activation of the clotting cascade, leading to the formation of blood clots in small vessels throughout the body. This process depletes clotting factors and platelets, causing an increased risk of bleeding.

As a result, individuals with DIC often experience bleeding manifestations as a consequence of this clotting factor consumption. These can include spontaneous bleeding from various sites, such as the gums and the nasal mucosa, leading to epistaxis. The bleeding can vary from mild to severe, depending on the degree of coagulopathy.

In contrast, the other symptoms listed do not align with the typical presentation of DIC. Bradycardia and hypertension are not common signs associated with the condition; rather, patients may experience changes in heart rate and blood pressure due to the underlying illness and fluid shifts. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is also not a direct symptom of DIC but may occur due to other factors such as dehydration or medication effects. Hence, epistaxis is the most appropriate and relevant symptom to anticipate in a