Critical care: DIC laboratory pattern: practice question

A Anaesthesia question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anaesthesia · Critical care: DIC laboratory pattern

Sample item

Which laboratory pattern is typical of disseminated intravascular coagulation?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Low platelets, prolonged PT and aPTT, low fibrinogen and raised D-dimer

Widespread activation of coagulation consumes platelets and clotting factors and generates fibrin degradation products. This produces thrombocytopenia, prolonged PT and aPTT, low fibrinogen and a markedly raised D-dimer. Management treats the cause and replaces blood products for bleeding.

Option by option

  • A. Low platelets, prolonged PT and aPTT, low fibrinogen and raised D-dimer (correct)

    Correct. These findings reflect consumption coagulopathy.

  • B. High platelets and short PT

    DIC lowers platelets and prolongs clotting times.

  • C. Normal platelets and prolonged bleeding time only

    This pattern does not fit DIC.

  • D. Low D-dimer and raised fibrinogen

    D-dimer is raised and fibrinogen is low.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is A, Low platelets, prolonged PT and aPTT, low fibrinogen and raised D-dimer. Widespread activation of coagulation consumes platelets and clotting factors and generates fibrin degradation products.

Why is "High platelets and short PT" not the answer?

DIC lowers platelets and prolongs clotting times.

Why is "Normal platelets and prolonged bleeding time only" not the answer?

This pattern does not fit DIC.

Why is "Low D-dimer and raised fibrinogen" not the answer?

D-dimer is raised and fibrinogen is low.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Critical care: DIC laboratory pattern in Anaesthesia. This produces thrombocytopenia, prolonged PT and aPTT, low fibrinogen and a markedly raised D-dimer. Management treats the cause and replaces blood products for bleeding.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Critical care: DIC laboratory pattern?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.