What is one of the primary uses of fresh frozen plasma?

• A. Replace electrolytes
• B. Replace clotting factors
• C. Increase blood volume
• D. Enhance oxygen delivery

Answer: (B)

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is primarily used for replacing clotting factors that are deficient in the patient’s blood. It is collected from donors and contains clotting proteins necessary for blood coagulation, which can be crucial in situations such as trauma, liver disease, or coagulopathies. FFP is administered to patients who have active bleeding or are at risk of significant bleeding due to a lack of these factors, ensuring that the coagulation cascade can function properly.

While it can contribute to volume expansion to some extent, enhancing oxygen delivery is more typically associated with red blood cell transfusions rather than plasma. Similarly, replacing electrolytes is more relevant in the context of electrolyte solutions rather than FFP, which focuses on providing clotting components.