Page 2407 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

plasma, platelets, and leukocytes) may be
prescribed for a client with a history of allergic
transfusion reactions or those who underwent
hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Leukocyte
depletion (leukoreduction) by filtration, washing, or
freezing is the process used to decrease the amount
of white blood cells (WBCs) in a unit of packed cells.
2. Platelet transfusion
a. Platelets are used to treat
thrombocytopenia and platelet
dysfunctions.
b. Clients receiving multiple units of
platelets can become “alloimmunized”
to different platelet antigens. These
clients may benefit from receiving only
platelets that match their specific
human leukocyte antigen (HLA).
c. Crossmatching is not required but
usually is done (platelet concentrates
contain few red blood cells [RBCs]).
d. The volume in a unit of platelets may
vary; always check the bag for the
volume of the blood component (in
milliliters).
e. Platelets are administered immediately
upon receipt from the blood bank and
are given rapidly, usually over 15 to 30
minutes.

f. Evaluation of an effective

response is based on improvement in
the platelet count, and platelet counts
normally are evaluated 1 hour and 18
to 24 hours after the transfusion; for
each unit of platelets administered, an
3
increase of 5000 to 10,000 mm (5 to 10
9
× 10 /L) is expected.
3. Fresh-frozen plasma
a. Fresh-frozen plasma may be used to
provide clotting factors or volume
expansion; it contains no platelets.
b. Fresh-frozen plasma is infused within 2
hours of thawing, while clotting factors
are still viable, and is infused over a
period of 15 to 30 minutes.
c. Rh compatibility and ABO
compatibility are required for the
transfusion of plasma products.

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