The Patient Asks Why the Physician Ordered Only Red Blood

question 6

Multiple Choice

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?

• A) RBCs are useful for patients who are experiencing a depletion of clotting factors.
• B) It is the only blood that is left in the blood bank.
• C) It is an optimal method of transfusing only the specific component needed by the patient.
• D) RBCs are useful in preventing transfusion reactions.

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