Fundamentals of Nursing Q 485
A client is receiving a transfusion of one unit of cryoprecipitate. The nurse will review which of the following laboratory studies to assess the effectiveness of the therapy?
A. Serum electrolytes
B. White blood cell count
C. Coagulation studies
D. Hematocrit count
Correct Answer: C. Coagulation studies
The evaluation of the effective response of a cryoprecipitate transfusion is assessed by monitoring coagulation studies and fibrinogen levels. Cryoprecipitate Antihemophilic Factor, also called cryo, is a portion of plasma, the liquid part of the blood. Cryo is rich in clotting factors, which are proteins that can reduce blood loss by helping to slow or stop bleeding.
Option A: Crystalloids are the fluids of choice for most minor procedures. They are sterile aqueous solutions that may contain glucose, various electrolytes, organic salts, and nonionic compounds. Some examples of these solutes are sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, sodium acetate, sodium lactate, and sodium gluconate.
Option B: White blood cells are transfused to treat life-threatening infections in people who have a greatly reduced number of white blood cells or whose white blood cells are functioning abnormally. The use of white blood cell transfusions is rare because improved antibiotics and the use of cytokine growth factors that stimulate people to produce more of their own white blood cells have greatly reduced the need for such transfusions.
Option D: The average increase in hematocrit per liter of packed red blood cells transfused was 6.4% +/- 4.1%. If 1 “unit” of packed red blood cells is approximately 300 mL, this becomes a change of hematocrit of 1.9% +/- 1.2% per “unit” of blood. The accepted correlation of about 1 “unit” of blood loss per 3% change in hematocrit would be valid for a 500-cc unit, but a typical unit of packed red blood cells is typically 300 cc.