Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What blood product would correct a patient with a fibrinogen deficiency?

1. Packed red blood cells

2. Fresh frozen plasma

3. Platelets

4. Cryoprecipitate

The correct answer is: Cryoprecipitate

Fibrinogen deficiency often leads to increased bleeding due to the inability to form stable blood clots, as fibrinogen is a key protein in the clotting cascade. The best choice for correcting this deficiency is cryoprecipitate, which is rich in fibrinogen and other clotting factors, specifically factors VIII and XIII, and has a high concentration of fibrinogen compared to other blood products. Cryoprecipitate is derived from the plasma portion of blood after it has been frozen and then thawed. It is particularly useful in acute bleeding situations where immediate correction of fibrinogen levels is required. Administering cryoprecipitate can quickly raise the fibrinogen levels in the patient’s bloodstream, thereby aiding in hemostasis. Other blood products are less effective for this specific deficiency. Packed red blood cells primarily provide red blood cells for increasing hemoglobin levels and improving oxygen delivery, while fresh frozen plasma contains clotting factors but does not provide a concentrated source of fibrinogen. Platelets are essential for platelet function and management of thrombocytopenia but do not correct fibrinogen deficiency.