A patient's family member asks the nurse why disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurs. Which of the following statements made by the nurse correctly explains the cause of DIC?
a) DIC is caused when haemolytic processes destroy erythrocytes.
b) DIC is a complication of an autoimmune disease that attacks the body's own cells.
c) DIC occurs when the immune system attacks platelets and causes massive bleeding.
d) DIC is caused by an abnormal activation of clotting pathway causing excessive amounts of tiny clots to form inside organs.
Answer: DIC is caused by an abnormal activation of clotting pathway causing excessive amounts of tiny clots to form inside organs.