What should the nurse review before administering fresh frozen plasma?

Before administering fresh frozen plasma (FFP), it is crucial for the nurse to review the prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (PTT) levels. FFP is rich in clotting factors and is primarily used to treat coagulopathies, such as those resulting from liver disease, vitamin K deficiency, or massive transfusion protocols. By assessing the PT and PTT levels, the nurse can determine the urgency and necessity of administering FFP, ensuring that the patient’s bleeding risk can be appropriately managed.

Monitoring PT and PTT levels provides critical information regarding the patient’s coagulation status and helps to confirm that the decision to administer FFP is based on objective evidence of coagulopathy. This careful assessment is essential to prevent potential complications associated with the administration of FFP, such as transfusion reactions or volume overload.