Blood and Blood Products Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the most commonly used blood product for treating low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels?

Platelets

Packed Red Blood Cells (correct)

Whole Blood

Granulocytes

Which blood product is specifically used to elevate platelet counts in patients at risk for bleeding?

Platelets (correct)

Cryoprecipitate

Fresh Frozen Plasma

Packed Red Blood Cells

What is the recommended administration time for Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP)?

15-20 minutes

2-4 hours

1-2 hours

30-60 minutes (correct)

Which blood product is primarily used to replace factor VIII and is important for controlling bleeding in certain genetic disorders?

Cryoprecipitate Signup and view all the answers

What does the Rh factor indicate in blood typing?

The presence of a specific antigen on red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

What occurs if a Rh-negative person is exposed to Rh-positive blood?

The body produces antibodies that attack Rh-positive red blood cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about sensitization in Rh-negative pregnant females is accurate?

Sensitization can lead to severe complications if the fetus is Rh-positive. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of leukoreduction (LR) in blood products?

It provides the same RBC mass as whole blood but removes plasma and leukocytes. Signup and view all the answers

How does albumin function when used with blood products?

It expands blood volume through oncotic pressure effects. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of cross-matching before a blood transfusion?

To accurately assess the compatibility between donor and recipient blood. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of administering antibiotics in septic patients?

To combat infection Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT characteristic of hyperkalemia?

Excessive sweating Signup and view all the answers

What should a nurse do if a patient has an aPTT greater than 1.5 times the reference range?

Prepare to transfuse Fresh Frozen Plasma Signup and view all the answers

During a blood transfusion, which reaction indicates the possibility of circulatory overload?

Cough and shortness of breath Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible risk associated with autologous blood transfusion?

Circulatory overload Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason O negative blood is considered the universal donor?

It does not contain any antigens. Signup and view all the answers

Which key identifier is NOT necessary to check prior to administering blood products?

Recent medical history Signup and view all the answers

What should a nurse do if a transfusion reaction occurs?

Stop the blood and take vital signs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of infusing 0.9 sodium chloride after stopping a blood transfusion due to a reaction?

To maintain venous access. Signup and view all the answers

What vital sign changes might indicate a blood transfusion reaction?

Elevated heart rate and hypotension. Signup and view all the answers

When is the first time vital signs should be taken during a blood transfusion procedure?

30 minutes before the transfusion starts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum time frame for completing a blood transfusion to prevent infection?

4 hours. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for two licensed personnel to check the patient's blood type and compatibility?

To prevent a transfusion reaction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common symptom of a febrile nonhemolytic reaction during a transfusion?

Rapid onset chills Signup and view all the answers

What should be done first if an acute hemolytic reaction is suspected during a blood transfusion?

Stop transfusion and new tubing to KVO Signup and view all the answers

Which group of patients is at higher risk for developing circulatory overload during a transfusion?

Older adults Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary intervention required for a patient experiencing anaphylactic reactions to a transfusion?

Prepare for CPR and administer Epinephrine Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary symptom of a transfusion sepsis reaction?

Rapid onset of chills and fever Signup and view all the answers

If a patient has a history of allergic reactions to blood transfusions, which type of RBC should be administered?

Washed (leukocyte-poor) RBC Signup and view all the answers

What symptom indicates a need to assess the blood for signs of sepsis before administering a transfusion?

Discoloration or cloudiness in blood Signup and view all the answers

What nursing intervention should be performed if a patient shows signs of mild allergic reactions during a transfusion?

Restart the transfusion slowly with antihistamines ready Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood Products Overview

Whole Blood is rarely used, primarily for traumatic events involving significant blood loss.
Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs) are the most commonly used product for low hemoglobin levels, anemias, or post-surgery blood loss. Administered over 2-4 hours.
Platelets are given for low platelet counts (normal range: 150,000 – 450,000/µL). They are administered over 15-20 minutes to minimize bleeding risks.
Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) replaces coagulation factors and is indicated for active bleeding and certain disease states. Administered over 30-60 minutes.
Cryoprecipitate is used to replenish clotting factors, particularly factor VIII and fibrinogen in conditions like Hemophilia A. Administered over 15-20 minutes.
Granulocytes are rarely used and are aimed at treating severely neutropenic patients.

Rh Factor and Transfusion Compatibility

Rh factor indicates the presence (Rh positive) or absence (Rh negative) of a specific antigen on red blood cells.
Sensitization occurs when Rh-negative individuals are exposed to Rh-positive blood, leading to irreversible antibody production that complicates future pregnancies.
Rhophylac is used to prevent sensitization in Rh-negative pregnant women.

Leukocyte Reduced RBC

Leukocyte-reduced red blood cells retain the same RBC mass as whole blood but have reduced plasma and leukocyte content. This technique minimizes allergic reactions from donor white blood cells.

Albumin Use

Albumin is not a blood product but is used alongside blood products to expand blood volume and increase blood pressure by pulling fluid into the vascular system.
Monitor protein levels and lung sounds for signs of fluid overload.

Blood Typing and Crossmatching

Blood typing determines blood type (A, B, AB, or O) and Rh factor. O negative is the universal donor.
Crossmatching is performed to ensure compatibility between donor and recipient blood types, identifying any risks of transfusion reactions.

Key Identifiers for Blood Administration

Critical identifiers to check before administering blood products include patient name, date of birth, medical record number, ABO blood group, Rh compatibility, expiration date, and blood unit ID.

Nursing Interventions for Blood Transfusion

Obtain informed consent and assess lung function prior to transfusion.
Vital signs should be taken 30 minutes before starting the transfusion.
Insert an 18-20 gauge IV catheter and start an infusion of 0.9% normal saline until blood is ready.
Blood should be infused using filtered tubing, and an RN must monitor the patient for the first 15 minutes due to risk of reactions.

Symptoms of Blood Transfusion Reactions

Common signs include erythema, fever, hypotension, chills, headache, and tachycardia, usually occurring within the first 15 minutes post-administration.

Nursing Interventions for Transfusion Reactions

If a reaction occurs, stop the blood transfusion immediately and take vital signs. Begin an infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride using new tubing.
Notify the healthcare provider and follow facility protocols, including sending urine samples and blood tests for analysis.

Complications of Transfusion Reactions

Acute Hemolytic Reaction: Symptoms include chills, fever, low back pain, and hypotension, typically occurring shortly after starting the transfusion.
Febrile Non-Hemolytic Reaction: Characterized by sudden chills and fever, treated with acetaminophen.
Anaphylactic Reactions: Present with anxiety, urticaria, and may necessitate CPR and epinephrine.
Circulatory Overload: Marked by cough, dyspnea, hypertension, and tachycardia, especially in older adults.
Sepsis: Rapid onset of chills, fever, and shock, requiring antibiotics and other supportive measures.

Autologous Blood Transfusion

Involves patients donating their blood prior to surgery for their use, reducing transfusion reactions.
Blood can be stored fresh for up to 40 days or frozen for up to 10 years.

NCLEX RN Questions

Knowledge of blood products is crucial, such as recognizing the appropriate product for conditions like elevated aPTT and managing transfusion reactions.

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Description

This quiz covers essential knowledge about blood disorders and the therapies associated with them. Students will explore types of blood products, transfusion reactions, and the nursing implications for administration and interventions. Prepare to understand key concepts in managing blood component therapies.