Coagulopathy in the Intensive Care Unit

Authors

Diane K. Dressler, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Format of Original

12 p.

Publication Date

10-2012

Publisher

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

Source Publication

Critical Care Nurse

Source ISSN

0279-5442

Original Item ID

doi: 10.4037/ccn2012164

Abstract

Coagulopathy is a potential problem for many critically ill patients, placing them at risk for hemorrhage. Critical illness activates both hemostasis and the inflammatoryimmune system, leading to both physiological and potentially pathophysiological responses. Following complex surgery or trauma, patients are at high risk for development of problems such as thrombocytopenia and postoperative bleeding, challenging nurses to recognize and manage these problems. The clinical manifestations of coagulopathy may be obvious or occult, and correlation with the coagulation panel results is a complex process. Transfusion of blood and components has long been an important part of patient management, but is known to put patients at risk for transfusion-related complications. Current clinical practice guidelines provide blood conservation strategies and criteria to guide decisions on transfusion therapy. (Critical Care Nurse. 2012;32[5]:48-60)

Comments

Critical Care Nurse, Vol. 32, No. 5 (October, 2012): 48-59. DOI.

Recommended Citation

Dressler, Diane K., "Coagulopathy in the Intensive Care Unit" (2012). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 159.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/159