Air Methods Critical Care Practice Exam

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion is indicated in conditions where there is a need for replacement of clotting factors, particularly in patients who are at risk of bleeding due to coagulopathy or when specific clotting factors are deficient. In the context of burns, especially extensive third-degree burns, there can be significant fluid and protein loss, including clotting factors. The administration of FFP can help restore these factors and improve clotting, thus managing the risk of bleeding and supporting overall hemostatic function in critically injured patients.

Acute blood loss generally requires packed red blood cells (PRBCs) for volume and hemoglobin replacement, rather than FFP unless there is concurrent coagulopathy. Chronic pain and asthma are not conditions that typically involve deficiencies in clotting factors, making FFP transfusion unnecessary in those cases.