Fundamentals of Nursing Q 453
A client is receiving a platelet transfusion. The nurse determines that the client is gaining from this therapy if the client exhibits which of the following?
A. Less frequent febrile episodes.
B. Increased level of hematocrit.
C. Less episodes of bleeding.
D. Increased level of hemoglobin.
Correct Answer: C. Less episodes of bleeding.
Platelet transfusions may be given to prevent bleeding when the platelet count falls down. In a study of bleeding risks in thrombocytopenic patients, Webert et al. noted that the majority of severe bleeds were preceded by bleeds of lesser severity. Even patients with petechiae (WHO grade 1 bleeding) were 2.5 times more likely to experience clinically significant bleeding on the next day; patients experiencing WHO grade 1 or 2 bleeding were three times more likely to have a severe bleed the next day.
Option A: A decline in the febrile episode will happen after the transfusion of agranulocytes. Transfusions of granulocytes have a long history of usage in clinical practice to support and treat severe infection in high?risk groups of patients with neutropenia or neutrophil dysfunction.
Option B: An increased level of hematocrit occurs after infusion of red blood cells. Blood transfusion is used to treat acute anemia with the goal of increasing blood oxygen-carrying capacity as determined by hematocrit (Hct), and oxygen delivery (DO2).
Option D: An increased level of hemoglobin will happen after the transfusion of red blood cells. The transfusion of red cell concentrates (RCC) is indicated in order to achieve a fast increase in the supply of oxygen to the tissues, when the concentration of hemoglobin (Hb) is low and/or the oxygen-carrying capacity is reduced, in the presence of inadequate physiological mechanisms of compensation.