Red Blood Cells (RBCs) Functions and Production

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What is the main function of red blood cells (RBCs)?

To transport carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs for exhalation

To measure the hematocrit and hemoglobin levels in the blood

To give blood its distinctive color

To transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body (correct)

What is the process by which oxygen is transported in the red blood cells?

Oxygen is directly dissolved in the plasma of the blood

Oxygen is transported through the cell membrane of the RBCs

Oxygen binds to the protein hemoglobin in the RBCs (correct)

Oxygen is carried by the platelets in the blood

What is the average lifespan of a red blood cell?

90 days

60 days

30 days

120 days (correct)

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate number of red blood cells produced in the bone marrow each second?

2 million Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage of the cellular portion of whole blood that red blood cells (RBCs) account for?

45% Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a complete blood cell count (CBC) in relation to red blood cells?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an indication for the transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs)?

Diabetes Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the RBCs after the plasma has been removed during the transfusion process?

Packed RBCs (PRBCs) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical increase in hemoglobin level after a transfusion of a unit of PRBCs?

1 g/dL Signup and view all the answers

At what hemoglobin level are transfusions of PRBCs usually administered?

7-8 g/dL Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called to obtain granulocytes, a component of whole blood?

Apheresis Signup and view all the answers

What is typically administered instead of transfusing granulocytes?

Colony-stimulating factors Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of whole blood is the liquid portion called plasma?

55% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of plasma in the body?

Maintaining blood pressure and volume Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a derivative of plasma that can be transfused?

Albumin Signup and view all the answers

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 Signup and view all the answers

What condition can be treated with transfusions of cryoprecipitate derived from plasma?

Hereditary clotting disorders Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum storage time for fresh frozen plasma?

1 year Signup and view all the answers