Identifying DIC Complications in Sepsis

A nurse is caring for a critically ill patient admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with severe sepsis. The patient has been on broad-spectrum antibiotics for 24 hours but continues to exhibit signs of deterioration, including an increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and altered mental status. The healthcare team is particularly concerned about the potential risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) as a complication of sepsis. As part of the care plan, the nurse needs to closely monitor for signs indicating the development of this serious complication. Which of the following findings would be most indicative of the onset of DIC in this patient?