Which finding should alert the nurse to the possible development of DIC in a client receiving cancer treatment?

The presence of petechiae can be a significant indicator of the possible development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in a client undergoing cancer treatment. DIC is a serious condition characterized by the widespread activation of the clotting cascade, leading to the formation of small blood clots throughout the body's blood vessels. This can result in the depletion of platelets and clotting factors, ultimately leading to a bleeding disorder.

Petechiae are tiny, pinpoint red or purple spots that appear on the skin due to bleeding under the skin. When the clotting mechanism is disrupted, as seen in DIC, petechiae may manifest due to the lack of sufficient platelets to maintain vascular integrity. Therefore, the observation of petechiae in a patient undergoing treatment for cancer warrants immediate assessment and can indicate that the patient’s condition is deteriorating and that serious complications may be developing.

In contrast, bradycardia, urinary incontinence, and fever may not specifically point towards DIC and are associated with a range of other conditions or complications. Bradycardia relates to heart rate and can indicate various cardiovascular issues. Urinary incontinence is a concern more related to neurologic or bladder dysfunction, and fever could be related to infection,