A patient with a diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is likely to have which of the following laboratory findings?

A Prolonged prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time, with low fibrinogen levels ✓
B Shortened prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time, with elevated fibrinogen levels
C Normal prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time, with elevated fibrinogen levels
D Prolonged prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time, with elevated fibrinogen levels

Explanation

DIC is characterized by the simultaneous activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis, leading to the consumption of coagulation factors and fibrinogen, resulting in prolonged prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time, with low fibrinogen levels.

Source

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine
Hematology Hematology: Coagulation Disorders Hematology: Coagulation Disorders Hard MEDICAL Confidence: high