Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation MCQ Quiz | Critical Care

Welcome to the Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) quiz, designed for MBBS students navigating the complexities of Critical Care. This quiz will test your understanding of the pathophysiology, clinical features, laboratory diagnosis, and management principles of this life-threatening syndrome. DIC represents a catastrophic activation of the coagulation cascade, leading to a paradoxical state of both thrombosis and hemorrhage. Mastering this topic is crucial for identifying and managing critically ill patients. This quiz contains 25 multiple-choice questions to challenge your knowledge. After submitting your answers, you can review your score and see detailed corrections. For your convenience, a button is provided to download all questions and their correct answers in a PDF format for future study. Good luck!

1. What is the primary pathophysiological event that initiates Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)?

2. Which of the following is the most common underlying cause of acute DIC in a critical care setting?

3. A hallmark laboratory finding in DIC, reflecting the breakdown of cross-linked fibrin, is:

4. Which morphological finding on a peripheral blood smear is characteristic of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia seen in DIC?

5. The most critical and definitive step in the management of DIC is:

7. Which hematological malignancy is classically associated with a high risk of developing DIC?

8. In chronic, low-grade DIC, often associated with solid tumors, which clinical manifestation is typically more prominent?

9. The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) scoring system for overt DIC includes all the following parameters EXCEPT:

10. What is the effect of DIC on the levels of natural anticoagulants like Antithrombin III and Protein C?

11. Platelet transfusion is generally recommended in a non-bleeding DIC patient when the platelet count falls below:

12. Which of the following is considered a major thrombotic complication of DIC?

13. The use of low-dose heparin in DIC is controversial, but its primary rationale is to:

14. Differentiating DIC from severe liver disease can be difficult. Which of the following lab findings is more specific for DIC?

15. Purpura fulminans is a severe, rapidly fatal form of DIC characterized by:

16. Which of the following obstetric complications is a potent trigger for DIC?

17. In DIC, the consumption of coagulation factors typically leads to:

18. Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is administered in DIC primarily to:

19. Envenomation by which family of snakes is well-known to cause a potent DIC-like syndrome?

20. The end-organ damage seen in DIC is primarily a result of:

21. Trousseau’s syndrome, a classic sign of malignancy-associated chronic DIC, presents as:

22. Which of the following conditions is LEAST likely to be a trigger for DIC?

23. In DIC, fibrinogen levels are typically low due to consumption. However, in some cases (e.g., sepsis), they may be normal or even high initially. Why?

24. What is the key difference between DIC and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)?

25. A patient with DIC has significant bleeding and a fibrinogen level of 60 mg/dL (normal: 200-400 mg/dL). Which blood product is the most appropriate choice?