Anesthesia Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common indication for the use of FFP?

1. Severe anemia

2. Liver failure

3. Dehydration

4. Sepsis

The correct answer is: Liver failure

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is indicated in cases where there is a significant deficiency of clotting factors, which can occur due to liver failure. The liver produces most of the clotting factors necessary for normal blood coagulation; therefore, when liver function is compromised, these factors can be depleted. Administering FFP replenishes the deficient clotting factors, helping to correct coagulopathy and reduce the risk of bleeding complications associated with liver failure. The other options, while they represent conditions that might require various forms of treatment, do not specifically necessitate FFP. Severe anemia is typically managed with red blood cell transfusions rather than plasma. Dehydration usually requires fluid replacement, often with crystalloids or colloids, but not specifically with FFP. Sepsis may require broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive care, but not necessarily FFP, unless there is a concurrent coagulopathy that necessitates it.