Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) Practice Exam

In a patient experiencing cardiogenic shock following a myocardial infarction, the primary concern is often addressing the diminished cardiac output and ensuring adequate tissue perfusion. In such cases, the management might include the optimization of blood volume and oxygen-carrying capacity. Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) are specifically designed to increase the red blood cell mass, which is vital for improving oxygen delivery to the tissues when perfusion is compromised.

When a patient is in cardiogenic shock, they may also have developed some degree of anemia, either from blood loss or from hemodilution as a result of fluid resuscitation. Administering PRBCs helps to reverse anemia and improve oxygen transport, which is essential in managing critical cardiovascular conditions.

Other blood products such as fresh frozen plasma or platelet infusions are not typically indicated in the management of cardiogenic shock unless there is a specific coagulopathy or bleeding risk that needs to be addressed. Albumin solution, while it can be beneficial for volume expansion, does not directly improve hemoglobin levels or oxygen-carrying capacity to the same extent as packed red blood cells. Thus, the recommendation for packed red blood cells aligns with the need to enhance oxygen delivery and overall hemodynamic stability in the