Question

A nurse is preparing to administer 2 units of fresh frozen plasma to a client. What is the purpose of administering fresh frozen plasma?

1) To increase the client's blood volume
2) To decrease the client's blood pressure
3) To treat anemia
4) To prevent infection

Answer 1

The main purpose of administering fresh frozen plasma is to replace lost blood volume by providing coagulation factors and various plasma components.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of administering fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to a client is multifaceted. FFP is rich in coagulation factors and is often used to treat deficiencies in these clotting factors, which can be acute due to bleeding, or chronic due to a liver disorder. Additionally, it contains other components of plasma such as antibodies, electrolytes, and albumin.

In emergency scenarios such as multiple-vehicle accidents, military engagements, or disasters, FFP can be vital for replacing lost blood volume and maintaining blood pressure. Moreover, in medical settings, FFP is crucial for patients who require a quick correction of coagulation abnormalities, especially when specific coagulation factor concentrates are not available or when multiple factor deficiencies are present, such as in cases of massive transfusion protocols during surgery or in treating patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Thus, the correct answer to the question is option 1) To increase the client's blood volume. While FFP can indirectly support blood pressure by replenishing fluid volume and it contains some components that might help fight infection, its primary uses are not to decrease blood pressure, treat anemia, or prevent infection. These are secondary effects rather than the main purpose of administration.