Anesthesia Technician Practice Exam

What is Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) primarily used for?

1. Replacing clotting factors

2. Maintenance of electrolyte balance

3. Providing nutritional support

4. Improving blood oxygenation

The correct answer is: Replacing clotting factors

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is primarily used for replacing clotting factors in patients who have undergone significant blood loss, have certain coagulation disorders, or require urgent reversal of anticoagulation. FFP contains all the clotting factors present in the blood, including fibrinogen, prothrombin, and factors V, VII, VIII, IX, and X, making it an essential component in the management of conditions such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), liver disease, and during massive transfusions where there is a risk of coagulopathy. The other options, while relevant in different medical contexts, do not accurately capture the primary purpose of FFP. For instance, FFP is not used for the maintenance of electrolyte balance, as this is typically addressed through saline solutions or other intravenous fluids. It also does not serve as a source of nutritional support; there are other methods and products designed specifically for that purpose, like total parenteral nutrition. Lastly, while some components of blood products can influence oxygenation, improving blood oxygenation is not the primary role of FFP, which is focused on clotting factor replacement to ensure proper hemostasis.