Vascular Access Exam Prep

Answer: D-In this situation, the nurse should administer heparin. Bleeding from all orifices such as the mucous membranes and intravenous lines indicates disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC). The condition results from extensive clotting in the small vessels, which in turn decreases the level of platelets in the body, leading to extensive bleeding. Heparin is an anticoagulant that will resolve the widespread clotting, allowing the body to correct the bleeding.