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Discussion

PRBC's for Hypovolemic shock?

Can anyone explain to me the rationale behind giving Packed Red blood cells to a patient with Hypovolemic shock?

this is a question from our patho/pharm class and I am having a hard time understanding why, in my head I am thinking you would want to give whole blood to replace fluids, but maybe there is something I am missing....

she also asked why give albumin to patients in shock?

I am thinking because albumin will draw fluid back into the cells, but I guess it would depend on what kind of shock right?

Thanks in advance for any clarification!:D

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  • Expert

see chart of commonly transfused blood products.doc and https://allnurses.com/forums/1458776-post6.html (section on transfusions)

hypovolemic shock is "reduced intravascular blood volume that causes circulatory dysfunction and inadequate tissue perfusion resulting in loss of blood plasma or fluids." (page 294, nurse's 5-minute clinical consult: multisystem disorders). it is "an insufficient amount of blood in the circulatory system, usually due to trauma that causes blood loss into a body cavity or frank external hemorrhage." (page 1754, taber's cyclopedic medical dictionary, 18th edition)

the rbcs are given to replace the lost blood cells. albumin is given to replace the blood plasma. iv fluids are given to replace fluids. in today's world, the technology exists to break blood down into its component parts. all the components of whole blood are seldom needed at the same time nor given at the same time anymore except in rare situations.

http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/biologypages/b/blood.html#plasma

  • Author

That totally makes sense now, Thanks!!

In my head I was thinking "hypovolemia" which would be a loss of fluids right? and you would want fluid along with the blood cells, but as you explained it "hypovolemic shock" is different in that it is a loss of blood volume not fluid. correct?

Thanks Daytonite! I appreciate it!

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