A 40-year-old member asked:
why isn't whole blood given to a patient with extreme blood loss instead of packed rbc?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
A US doctor answeredLearn more
Good question: Whole blood includes different components-- platelets, red blood cells, and clotting factors. For most patients, just replacing the red blood cells fixes the acute problem. Then the other portions of the blood can help other patients. When you donate a unit of blood, it is separated and can help up to a total of 4 other people. In some rare situations, it is appropriate to use whole blood.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ken Kingdonanswered
Trauma Surgery 18 years experience
Great question: Excellent question as in combat it is used, although not as much as prbc's. In general it is not used in the civilian world for fear of higher transmission rates of things such as HIV and hepatitis. Because of the success of whole blood in combat situations the ratio for componet blood therapy has been changed to 1:1:1 to better simulate whole blood.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 46-year-old member asked:
What is happening in the blood in a patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Steven Ginsberganswered
Hematology and Oncology 37 years experience
Blood abnormal: The lymphoblast count (leukemic cells) increases, anemia and thrombocytopenia (low platelets) develop. This is all due to uncontrolled proliferation of lymphoblasts in the bone marrow. Rapid treatment is required.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
How much blood do women lose during their period?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Neeoo Chinanswered
Fertility Medicine 40 years experience
Varies: It seems like alot, but usually no more than 1-2 table spoons full.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
How does hyperpnea affect the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Asaf Presenteanswered
Pulmonary Critical Care 16 years experience
Low CO2, alkalemia: Deep or rapid breathing removes more gaseous co2 leading to less co2 in the blood and associated alkalemia - it has a minimal effect on oxygenation except in disease states.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
What is normal blood pressure and does it vary with level of fitness?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Umesh Patelanswered
Preventive Medicine 42 years experience
There is a range: Ideal BP is below 120/70, acceptable BP is below 130/80. Consistent readings above these ranges need to be monitored and treated under the care of your physician.
Generally, physical fitness is important in maintaining BP in the healthy range.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
How can one lower blood glucose levels when you have an addiction to sweet foods?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Luis Gonzalez-mendozaanswered
Pediatric Endocrinology 42 years experience
Imposible: Sorry, you stay away from sugar.
5.6k viewsReviewed May 16, 2019
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Last updated Jun 10, 2014
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