A nurse is teaching a client who has septic shock about the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Rationale: The correct answer is D. DIC is caused by abnormal coagulation involving fibrinogen. In DIC, there is widespread activation of the clotting cascade, leading to the formation of microthrombi throughout the body. This consumption of clotting factors, including fibrinogen, results in bleeding tendencies. Lifelong heparin usage (A) is not a treatment for DIC. DIC is characterized by low platelet count, not elevated (B). DIC is an acquired condition, not a genetic disorder (C) involving vitamin K deficiency.