Blood transfusion
Blood transfusion ( 30 Questions)
Which blood product should the nurse administer to address this condition?
Whole blood. Rationale: Whole blood contains red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and other components. It is typically used for patients with significant blood loss or when multiple blood components need to be replaced. However, in this case, the patient is specifically experiencing thrombocytopenia, which means a low platelet count. Administering whole blood would not be the most appropriate choice because it does not provide a concentrated dose of platelets, which is what the patient needs.
Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) Rationale: Packed red blood cells are primarily used to increase oxygen-carrying capacity in patients with anemia or significant blood loss. They do not contain a sufficient quantity of platelets to address thrombocytopenia, so this is not the correct choice for the patient in question.
Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) Rationale: Fresh frozen plasma is rich in clotting factors and is used to treat bleeding disorders or clotting factor deficiencies. While it can be a valuable component in some cases, it does not directly increase platelet counts. Therefore, it is not the most appropriate choice for a patient with thrombocytopenia.
Platelets. Rationale: Platelets are the correct choice for a patient with thrombocytopenia. Platelet transfusion provides a concentrated dose of platelets, which can help increase the patient's platelet count and improve clotting ability. It directly addresses the underlying issue in thrombocytopenia, making it the most suitable option.
Choice A rationale:
Whole blood.
Rationale: Whole blood contains red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and other components.
It is typically used for patients with significant blood loss or when multiple blood components need to be replaced.
However, in this case, the patient is specifically experiencing thrombocytopenia, which means a low platelet count.
Administering whole blood would not be the most appropriate choice because it does not provide a concentrated dose of platelets, which is what the patient needs.
Choice B rationale:
Packed red blood cells (PRBCs)
Rationale: Packed red blood cells are primarily used to increase oxygen-carrying capacity in patients with anemia or significant blood loss.
They do not contain a sufficient quantity of platelets to address thrombocytopenia, so this is not the correct choice for the patient in question.
Choice C rationale:
Fresh frozen plasma (FFP)
Rationale: Fresh frozen plasma is rich in clotting factors and is used to treat bleeding disorders or clotting factor deficiencies.
While it can be a valuable component in some cases, it does not directly increase platelet counts.
Therefore, it is not the most appropriate choice for a patient with thrombocytopenia.
Choice D rationale:
Platelets.
Rationale: Platelets are the correct choice for a patient with thrombocytopenia.
Platelet transfusion provides a concentrated dose of platelets, which can help increase the patient's platelet count and improve clotting ability.
It directly addresses the underlying issue in thrombocytopenia, making it the most suitable option.