Widespread activation of the clotting cascade secondary to massive trauma is called: a. Hemophilia B.
b. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
c. Hageman disease.
d. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura.

The correct answer is b. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Explanation:

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a pathological process that occurs as a result of excessive activation and stimulation of the coagulation system and causes thrombotic microangiopathy due to fibrin deposition in microcirculation and secondary fibrinolysis. It begins after activation of the extrinsic path of coagulation; tissue factor produced by injured cells, macrophages or neoplastic cells stimulates the activation of factor VII, and this ultimately leads to the production of thrombin, it is produced secondary to the activation of the coagulation cascade; thrombin induces platelet aggregation and converts fibrinogen to fibrin. It is, therefore, directly responsible for the appearance of diffuse thrombi in the circulation.