Certified Clinical Transplant Nurse (CCTN) Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a complex disorder characterized by the abnormal activation of the coagulation cascade, leading to the formation of blood clots throughout the small blood vessels in the body. In the context of brain-dead organ donors, the presence of DIC can have significant implications for organ viability.

The statement that DIC may cause necrosis in brain-dead donors is accurate. In DIC, the extensive clotting can lead to a depletion of platelets and clotting factors, followed by the paradoxical risk of bleeding due to the consumption of these factors. This process can compromise blood flow to organs, resulting in tissue ischemia and potentially causing necrosis. As a consequence, organs that are procured from a donor with active DIC may be less viable for transplantation due to the detrimental effects on perfusion and cellular integrity.

Understanding the implications of DIC is crucial for clinical decision-making in organ donation. Recognizing that DIC has the potential to induce necrosis helps healthcare professionals assess the suitability of organs for transplantation and communicate risks with potential transplant recipients.