Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

The condition characterized as an abnormal activation of the clotting system is disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In DIC, there is an overwhelming activation of the coagulation cascade, which leads to the formation of blood clots throughout the small blood vessels. This excessive clotting can consume clotting factors and platelets, eventually leading to a paradoxical increased risk of bleeding, as the body runs out of resources needed to form clots effectively.

DIC often occurs in response to severe infections, trauma, cancer, or complications of pregnancy, making it a critical condition that requires immediate medical attention. The recognition of DIC is essential because it impacts multiple organ systems and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not treated promptl.