Question

Mr. west received a total of 4 units of PRBC's 5 units of FFP (frees frozen plasma) and many units of crystalloid solution to keep his systolic B/P above 90mmHg.

1.Explain the rational for the use of fresh frozen plasma
2. Explain why you will be monitoring the patient's fluid status very carefully as how you would do this.
3. List six nursing actions you initiate to assess Mr. West's fluid balance.

Answer 1

1. Fresh frozen plasma

A unit of Fresh frozen plasma ( blood product, from the liquid portion of the blood) contains all types of coagulation factors and bloodprotein( low level). It is indicated in the conditions of bleeding or risk for bleeding( coagulopathy). Coagulating factors will help in clotting there by checking the bleeding.

It is indicated in the cases warfarin overdose and thrombocytopenic purpura also.

2. Nurse has to monitor the fluid balance of the client strictly as the initial Blood pressure was very low and also a large amount of crystalloid fluids, PRBc(packed Redblod cells) and FFP are administered intravenously. Assessing the patient's hydration status is an essential step in nursing care. While monitoring the patient assess for the signs of fluid overload( increased urine output, cold and clammy skin, shivering and weightgain) . Risk for delirium, pulmonary edema and pleural effusion also can occur as a result of fluid overload.

3. Nursing Interventions for assessing fluid balance

1.Assess the vital signs of the patient to get the baseline information.

2. Assess the mental status of the patient

3. Assess the signs of fluid overload( shivering and cold , weight gain, cold and clammy skin

4. Assessment of peripheral edema

5. Check BP for every hours.

6. Check the patient's lab data

7.  Auscultate the breath sounds for any abnormal breath sounds.