Which laboratory value should a nurse report for a client at risk for disseminated intravascular coagulopathy?

In the context of monitoring for disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), fibrinogen levels play a crucial role. DIC is characterized by the activation of systemic coagulation, leading to the formation of fibrin clots throughout the vasculature, and can subsequently result in thrombocytopenia, prolonged clotting times, and decreased levels of fibrinogen.

Normal fibrinogen levels typically range from 200 to 400 mg/dL. A fibrinogen level of 85 mg/dL indicates a significant reduction, which is often observed in patients experiencing DIC. As fibrinogen levels drop, it can suggest the consumption of clotting factors and the ongoing process of clot formation and breakdown, both hallmarks of DIC. Therefore, a fibrinogen value this low necessitates immediate reporting as it indicates severe coagulopathy and a risk for complications associated with DIC.

The other laboratory values provided, including platelet count, PT, and PTT, do not indicate as immediate a concern in the context of DIC as the low fibrinogen level does. While a moderate reduction in platelets can occur in DIC, the value of 156,000/mm3 in this instance is considered within a