Which sign should prompt concern for disseminated intravascular coagulation in a child with meningitis?

Which sign should prompt concern for disseminated intravascular coagulation in a child with meningitis?

• A. Hemorrhagic skin rash
• B. Edema
• C. Cyanosis
• D. Dyspnea on exertion

Answer: (A)

Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a problem where clotting is activated throughout the body, which uses up platelets and clotting factors and leads to bleeding in multiple areas. In a child with meningitis, sepsis can trigger this process, so a sign of concern is a hemorrhagic skin rash. That rash—often purpura or ecchymosis—reflects the bleeding that occurs when coagulation factors are consumed faster than they can be replaced. It signals a serious, life-threatening process requiring urgent evaluation and treatment. Edema, cyanosis, and dyspnea on exertion are not specific indicators of DIC. Edema can occur with infection or inflammation, cyanosis points to oxygenation problems, and dyspnea on exertion suggests cardiopulmonary issues rather than a coagulation disorder.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a problem where clotting is activated throughout the body, which uses up platelets and clotting factors and leads to bleeding in multiple areas. In a child with meningitis, sepsis can trigger this process, so a sign of concern is a hemorrhagic skin rash. That rash—often purpura or ecchymosis—reflects the bleeding that occurs when coagulation factors are consumed faster than they can be replaced. It signals a serious, life-threatening process requiring urgent evaluation and treatment.

Edema, cyanosis, and dyspnea on exertion are not specific indicators of DIC. Edema can occur with infection or inflammation, cyanosis points to oxygenation problems, and dyspnea on exertion suggests cardiopulmonary issues rather than a coagulation disorder.