Which statement is false, except?

AIIMS CRE SNO - 2023

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Medium

Appeared in: AIIMS CRE SNO - 2023

Explanation

The statement that Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs) can be stored for up to 42 days is correct.
This maximum storage duration is possible when an additive solution, such as SAGM (Saline, Adenine, Glucose, Mannitol) or ADSOL, is used as a preservative.
PRBCs must be maintained at a refrigerated temperature between 1°C and 6°C throughout storage.

Option A: Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is stored for up to 1 year, not 42 days. The 42-day duration applies to PRBCs with specific preservatives.
Option B: Infusing PRBCs over 4-6 hours is a breach of safety protocol. The maximum infusion time is 4 hours to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination and sepsis.
Option C: Platelets are stored at room temperature (20-24°C) with constant agitation. Freezing at -20°C would destroy their structure and function.

Visual 1: Infographic: A comparative chart showing the storage temperature, duration, and infusion times for different blood components (PRBCs, Platelets, FFP, Cryoprecipitate).
Visual 2: Image: A photo of a standard PRBC bag with a label clearly showing the expiration date, volume, and blood type.
Visual 3: Flowchart: A decision-making flowchart for nurses on blood transfusion safety checks, from product verification to patient monitoring.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Storage and administration guidelines for blood components as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Adhering to correct storage and infusion times is critical for patient safety. Incorrect handling can lead to transfusion reactions, sepsis, and ineffective therapy.
Nurses are the final checkpoint in the transfusion process. Double-checking the blood product, expiration date, and infusion rate against the physician's order and hospital policy is a core responsibility.
What if? If a patient develops a fever and chills 30 minutes into a PRBC transfusion, the nurse's first action should be to immediately stop the transfusion, maintain IV access with normal saline, and notify the physician and blood bank, as this could be a sign of a transfusion reaction.

How to Approach the Question

First, decode the question's phrasing. "Which statement is false, except?" is a double negative, which means you are looking for the one statement that is TRUE.
Systematically evaluate each option based on your knowledge of blood component therapy.
Recall the specific storage requirements for each blood product: PRBCs (refrigerated), Platelets (room temperature with agitation), and FFP (frozen).
Remember that PRBC storage duration varies with the preservative used. 42 days is the maximum with modern additive solutions.
Critically assess the PRBC infusion time. The 4-hour rule is a crucial safety standard to prevent bacterial growth.
By eliminating the three definitively false statements, you can confidently identify the single true statement.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Storage and administration guidelines for blood components.
Stem keywords: FFP, PRBC, Platelets, stored, infused
Lead-in keywords: false, except
Negative lead-in flag: The question uses a double negative ('false, except'), which simplifies to asking for the true statement.

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