The patient asks why the physician ordered only red blood cells (packed RBCs) instead of the entire unit of whole blood. What rationale should the nurse provide?

Question

1. RBCs are useful for patients who are experiencing a depletion of clotting factors.
2. It is the only blood that is left in the blood bank.
3. It is an optimal method of transfusing only the specific component needed by the patient.
4. RBCs are useful in preventing transfusion reactions.

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: Cryoprecipitates, plasma, and platelets are used to replace clotting factors.
Rationale 2: Using the only blood left in the blood bank would never be the rationale for a blood transfusion.
Rationale 3: Using only the needed component is a safe and economical use of the blood supply.
Rationale 4: RBCs cannot prevent a transfusion reaction.