Which statement is true, except?

NORCET -4 , 2023

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET -4 , 2023

Explanation

The statement that platelets can be stored at -20°C is false.
Platelets are extremely fragile and must be stored at room temperature, specifically between 20°C and 24°C, to maintain their viability.
They also require continuous gentle agitation to prevent aggregation (clumping).
Freezing at -20°C causes irreversible damage to the platelet structure and function, rendering them ineffective and unsafe for transfusion.

Option A: This statement is correct. Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is stored at -18°C or colder to preserve the activity of all coagulation factors, especially the labile factors V and VIII.
Option B: This statement is also incorrect and describes an unsafe practice. The standard guideline is that Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs) must be completely infused within 4 hours of removal from the blood bank refrigerator to prevent bacterial proliferation. An infusion time of 5 hours is too long.
Option C: This statement is correct. The shelf-life of PRBCs can be extended to 42 days when stored at 2°C to 6°C with the use of specific additive solutions (e.g., ADSOL, SAGM).

Visual 1: Table: A comparative chart detailing the storage temperature, shelf life, and maximum infusion times for different blood components like PRBCs, FFP, Platelets, and Cryoprecipitate. This visual aid helps in quick recall of these critical parameters.

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 products as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correct handling and storage of blood products are critical for patient safety and transfusion efficacy. Failure to adhere to guidelines can lead to transfusion reactions, sepsis, or lack of therapeutic effect.
Nurses are responsible for ensuring that blood transfusions are initiated promptly and completed within the specified time frames to minimize risks.
A key nursing responsibility is to monitor the patient closely during the first 15 minutes of a transfusion, as this is when most severe reactions occur.

How to Approach the Question

First, recognize that the phrase 'true, except' means you are looking for the single statement that is FALSE.
Read each option carefully and evaluate it based on your knowledge of blood product administration and storage.
Option A: Recall FFP storage. It's frozen to preserve factors. -18°C is a standard temperature. This is likely true.
Option B: Recall PRBC infusion time. The rule is 'within 4 hours'. A range of '4-5 hours' is incorrect and unsafe. This is a potential false statement.
Option C: Recall PRBC storage duration. With additives, it can be stored for up to 42 days. This is likely true.
Option D: Recall platelet storage. They are kept at room temperature with agitation. Freezing destroys them. -20°C is definitively false.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Storage and administration guidelines for blood products
Stem keywords: FFP, PRBC, Platelets, stored, infused
Lead-in keywords: true, except
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the statement that is NOT true (the exception).

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