The nurse should expect an d) increased hematocrit (Hct) following the transfusion of packed red blood cells (RBCs). Therefore , d) increased hematocrit is correct .
When a patient receives packed red blood cells (PRBCs) through a blood transfusion, the primary goal is to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Packed red blood cells are rich in hemoglobin (Hgb), which is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide.
Therefore, the nurse would expect specific changes in laboratory findings following the transfusion.
One of the expected changes is an increased hematocrit (Hct).
Hematocrit is the proportion of blood that is occupied by red blood cells.
Since PRBCs are concentrated red blood cells, a transfusion typically leads to an increase in hematocrit levels.
Conversely, the hemoglobin (Hgb) level may not necessarily decrease immediately after a transfusion.
In fact, it should increase, as each unit of PRBCs is associated with an increase in hemoglobin concentration.
Therefore, a decreased hemoglobin level would not be expected immediately post-transfusion.
The white blood cell (WBC) count is not directly influenced by the administration of packed red blood cells.
Transfusing red blood cells does not significantly impact the white blood cell population, so a decrease in the WBC count would not be an expected finding in this context.
Similarly, platelet levels are not typically affected by the transfusion of packed red blood cells.
Platelets are involved in blood clotting, while PRBCs are focused on oxygen transport.
As a result, an increase in platelet count would not be an anticipated laboratory finding following a packed red blood cell transfusion.
The nurse should expect an increased hematocrit (Hct) level as a direct result of the packed red blood cell transfusion.
Question
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who received 2 units of packed RBCs. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect following the transfusion?
a) Decreased WBC count
b) Decreased Hgb
c) Increased platelets
d) Increased Hct