Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Which blood product contains factors VIII, fibrinogen, and XIII and is utilized in hemophilia A and DIC?

1. Platelet concentrate

2. Packed red blood cells

3. Fresh frozen plasma

4. Cryoprecipitate

The correct answer is: Cryoprecipitate

The correct response is based on the components and clinical uses of the blood products listed. Cryoprecipitate is a component derived from fresh frozen plasma, containing essential clotting factors, specifically: factor VIII, fibrinogen, and factor XIII. These factors are crucial in the management of conditions such as hemophilia A, where there is a deficiency of factor VIII, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), where the body experiences a coagulopathy. The ability of cryoprecipitate to provide these specific factors makes it particularly valuable in treating patients who require supplementation of these clotting elements. It can rapidly correct bleeding tendencies associated with low fibrinogen levels and is often used when a patient's condition demands an immediate source of these vital components. Other options, such as platelet concentrate, packed red blood cells, and fresh frozen plasma, do not contain the specific combination of factors mentioned. While fresh frozen plasma does contain clotting factors, it is generally used more broadly for replacing multiple clotting factors rather than providing a concentrated source specifically tailored for hemophilia A or DIC as cryoprecipitate does.