A nurse is administering a unit of FFP to correct a coagulop… | MyMerci
Medical EmergenciesPA
Question
A nurse is administering a unit of FFP to correct a coagulopathy. Which administration practice is correct?
1Infuse over 6 hours
2Refrigerate during infusion
3Mix with D5W
4Infuse over 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours), use NS only, monitor for allergic and circulatory reactions; platelets are infused at similar pace via filtered tubing✓ Correct answer
Explanation
Correct (2): FFP contains all clotting factors; infuse over 30 minutes (max 4 hours). Use NS only via filtered tubing. Platelets infuse over 30-60 min; do NOT refrigerate (room temp), and gently agitate the bag. Watch for allergic reactions (more common with plasma/platelet than PRBC). (1) Too slow risks bacterial growth. (3) D5W hemolyzes. (4) Refrigeration ruins platelets.
In-depth explanation
Memory Tip FFP = "Fresh Frozen Plasma → infuse fast, factors active 24h thawed". Platelets = "Room temp, no refrigerate". Cryoprecipitate = fibrinogen + factor VIII.
Clinical scenario
Scenario Adult with coagulopathy (INR 3.5, active bleeding) receives FFP 1 unit. NS 0.9% available.
Key concepts
FFP (fresh frozen plasma) — All coagulation factors; for coagulopathy and rapid warfarin reversal.
Platelet transfusion — Room temperature; gently agitate; infuse over 30-60 min via filter.
Cryoprecipitate — Concentrated fibrinogen, factor VIII, vWF; for fibrinogen