Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which treatment is appropriate for Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)?

1. Platelet transfusion

2. Cryoprecipitate or FFP

3. Vitamin K

4. Warfarin

The correct answer is: Cryoprecipitate or FFP

In the case of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), the appropriate treatment focuses on managing the coagulopathy and addressing its underlying cause. The use of cryoprecipitate or fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is crucial because these products replace the depleted clotting factors and provide fibrinogen, which is often deficient in patients with DIC. DIC is characterized by widespread activation of the coagulation cascade, leading to the formation of small blood clots throughout the body's blood vessels, which in turn consumes clotting factors and platelets, leading to bleeding. Cryoprecipitate is rich in fibrinogen and clotting factors V and XIII, making it an effective choice for restoring hemostatic balance. FFP contains a broad range of clotting factors and can also be utilized to replenish what has been consumed in the coagulation process during DIC. The other treatments mentioned do not address the immediate need to correct the coagulation abnormalities in DIC. Platelet transfusion alone may not be sufficient, as it does not provide the necessary coagulation factors. Vitamin K is typically used for vitamin K deficiency and does not directly impact the acute coagulopathy of DIC. Warfarin is an