What blood product is typically given to patients who are thrombocytopenic?

What blood product is typically given to patients who are thrombocytopenic?

• A. Whole blood
• B. Platelet transfusions
• C. Fresh frozen plasma
• D. Red blood cells

Answer: (B)

Patients who are thrombocytopenic, meaning they have a low platelet count, are typically given platelet transfusions. This type of blood product directly addresses the underlying issue by providing additional platelets, which are critical for proper blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding. Platelet transfusions are specifically indicated in situations where a patient's platelet count is dangerously low, such as in cases of certain blood disorders, chemotherapy, or bone marrow suppression, allowing for improved hemostasis. Other blood products, while useful in different contexts, do not serve the same purpose. For instance, whole blood contains all components of blood, including red blood cells and plasma, but does not specifically target the platelet deficiency. Fresh frozen plasma is rich in clotting factors, but it does not contain platelets and therefore does not directly correct thrombocytopenia. Red blood cells are primarily used to treat anemia or significant blood loss, not low platelet counts. Thus, platelet transfusions are the correct choice for managing thrombocytopenia effectively.

Patients who are thrombocytopenic, meaning they have a low platelet count, are typically given platelet transfusions. This type of blood product directly addresses the underlying issue by providing additional platelets, which are critical for proper blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding.

Platelet transfusions are specifically indicated in situations where a patient's platelet count is dangerously low, such as in cases of certain blood disorders, chemotherapy, or bone marrow suppression, allowing for improved hemostasis.

Other blood products, while useful in different contexts, do not serve the same purpose. For instance, whole blood contains all components of blood, including red blood cells and plasma, but does not specifically target the platelet deficiency. Fresh frozen plasma is rich in clotting factors, but it does not contain platelets and therefore does not directly correct thrombocytopenia. Red blood cells are primarily used to treat anemia or significant blood loss, not low platelet counts. Thus, platelet transfusions are the correct choice for managing thrombocytopenia effectively.