What sign would indicate disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) in a client with abruptio placentae?

The presence of petechiae and oozing from injection sites serves as key signs indicating disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), particularly in the context of abruptio placentae. DIC is a serious condition that disrupts the normal clotting process, leading to widespread clotting throughout the small vessels and resulting in the consumption of clotting factors. This can manifest as bleeding tendencies, including small red or purple spots (petechiae) on the skin and oozing from areas such as injection sites due to insufficient clotting ability.

In patients experiencing abruptio placentae, the risk of DIC is heightened due to the trauma and potential for vascular compromise. Therefore, observing these symptoms can alert healthcare providers to the possibility of this life-threatening complication, necessitating prompt evaluation and management to prevent further bleeding and support maternal-fetal health.

The other options do not represent signs of DIC: increased fetal movement could indicate a fetal response to stress rather than a coagulation issue, normal blood pressure readings do not directly correlate with coagulation status, and increased appetite is not typically associated with DIC.