Air Methods Critical Care Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Study Guide

Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is primarily indicated in situations requiring the correction of coagulopathy, especially when there is a significant risk of bleeding. In the context of patients with burns, FFP is utilized because severe burns can lead to massive fluid loss and subsequent hypovolemic shock. This can cause a dilutional coagulopathy due to the significant fluid shifts and loss of blood components, making it critical to restore hemostatic function.

In burn victims, there is often a complex interplay of factors that can lead to altered coagulation, including fluid resuscitation and the physiological response to trauma. Providing FFP helps replenish clotting factors that may be depleted, thus reducing the risk of hemorrhage and supporting better outcomes during the critical care management of burn patients.

Other situations mentioned, such as severe allergic reactions, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and pneumonia treatment, do not typically involve the need for FFP. These conditions are generally managed by other means and do not primarily revolve around coagulation factor replacement, which is the main therapeutic role of Fresh Frozen Plasma.