A male client was involved in a motor vehicle accident earlier in the day. The nurse caring for him on evenings notices that on admission to the hospital, he lost a lot of blood and required multiple blood transfusions.
The nurse would anticipate which blood product would be ordered when a large blood loss has occurred?
A . Whole blood
B . Platelets
C . Fresh frozen plasma
D . Packed red blood cells
Answer: A
Explanation:
(A) Whole blood is the transfusion component of choice when large volumes of blood need to be replaced. Whole blood contains all blood components that are lost during active bleeding.
(B) Platelet therapy is indicated for thrombocytopenia if the client’s platelet count is below 15,000/mm3.
(C) Infusion of fresh frozen plasma is required when the prothrombin time and partial thromboplastic time are prolonged.
(D) Packed red blood cells are transfused in instances of anemia with decreases in hematocrit and hemoglobin.