What is Fresh Frozen Plasma primarily used for?

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Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) is primarily utilized for its ability to provide essential clotting factors that are crucial in managing coagulopathies and other clotting problems. It is derived from donated blood and must be processed quickly to preserve these factors, which include fibrinogen, prothrombin, and various other clotting agents.

When a patient experiences massive blood loss, certain conditions like disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), or surgical procedures that put them at risk for bleeding, administration of FFP can restore the balance of coagulation factors in the bloodstream. This restoration is vital to stop or prevent excessive bleeding and ensure successful hemostasis during and after surgery or in critical care scenarios.

The other options focus on different medical needs. Oxygen transport typically involves red blood cells or hemoglobin, which is not the primary function of FFP. Fluid drainage relates more to the management of effusions or collections in the body rather than clotting issues. Respiratory assistance generally pertains to the management of respiratory failure or disorders, which falls outside the scope of what FFP aims to address.

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