20 Questions
What is the main function of red blood cells (RBCs)?
To transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body
What is the process by which oxygen is transported in the red blood cells?
Oxygen binds to the protein hemoglobin in the RBCs
What is the average lifespan of a red blood cell?
120 days
What is the process by which red blood cells are produced in the body?
They are produced in the red bone marrow and stimulated by the hormone erythropoietin
What is the approximate number of red blood cells produced in the bone marrow each second?
2 million
What is the percentage of the cellular portion of whole blood that red blood cells (RBCs) account for?
45%
What is the purpose of a complete blood cell count (CBC) in relation to red blood cells?
All of the above
Which of the following is NOT an indication for the transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs)?
Diabetes
What is the purpose of removing the plasma from the transfused material when giving a red blood cell (RBC) transfusion?
To concentrate the RBCs and reduce the amount of fluid being transfused
What is the term used to describe the RBCs after the plasma has been removed during the transfusion process?
Packed RBCs (PRBCs)
What is the typical increase in hemoglobin level after a transfusion of a unit of PRBCs?
1 g/dL
At what hemoglobin level are transfusions of PRBCs usually administered?
7-8 g/dL
What is the process called to obtain granulocytes, a component of whole blood?
Apheresis
What is typically administered instead of transfusing granulocytes?
Colony-stimulating factors
What percentage of whole blood is the liquid portion called plasma?
55%
What is the primary function of plasma in the body?
Maintaining blood pressure and volume
Which of the following is a derivative of plasma that can be transfused?
Albumin
What is the purpose of treating plasma derivatives with solvent detergent and heating?
To kill viruses like those that cause hepatitis B and C, and HIV
What condition can be treated with transfusions of cryoprecipitate derived from plasma?
Hereditary clotting disorders
What is the maximum storage time for fresh frozen plasma?
1 year
Learn about the important functions of red blood cells (RBCs) in the body, including oxygen transport from the lungs to tissues. Explore the process of RBC production in the red bone marrow and the role of the hormone erythropoietin in stimulating this production.
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