NICU Certification Exam Study Guide 2026 | Neonatal Nursing Review, Practice Questions &
Exam Prep
levels effected from blood transfusion - ANS ✔✔decreased calcium
increased potassium
rbcs usage - ANS ✔✔used to treat anemia and hemorrhage and to improve tissue oxygenation
associated with loss of oxygen carrying capacity
rbs must be used within - ANS ✔✔4 hours of preparation; in neonates should last at least 2 to 3
hours to prevent overload
neonates generally transfused with how much rbs - ANS ✔✔10 ml/kg
how much should we expect hgb to increase after transfusion - ANS ✔✔1 g/dl
crit by 3%
platelet usage - ANS ✔✔used for active bleeding related to thrombocytopenia or platelet
dysfunction or as prophylaxis without active bleeding present
plasma usage - ANS ✔✔bleeding related to a deficiency of multiple coagulation factors, reversal
of warfarin effects, or treatment of coagulopathies
cryoprecipitate usage - ANS ✔✔treatment of defective or absent plasma proteins.
Cryoprecipitate is the precipitate that remains after the thawing process of plasma and consists
of enriched factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, and factor XIII. Cryoprecipitate is used
in patients with factor XIII deficiency, such as hemophilia A and B, or disease-related deficiencies
(e.g., disseminated intravascular coagulation [DIC]), or von Willebrand disease.
, Benefits of leukocyte reduction - ANS ✔✔ecrease the frequency of recurrent febrile
nonhemolytic transfusion reaction, which is typically manifested by a temperature elevation of
1°C (1.8°F) or more occurring during or within 4 hours of transfusion.1 Leukocyte-reduced
components also have been shown to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted
cytomegalovirus (CMV) and to reduce the incidence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
alloimmunization.
Irradiated blood components prevent - ANS ✔✔propagation of T lymphocytes, which is the
immediate cause of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
Washing blood and blood products removes - ANS ✔✔unwanted plasma proteins, including
antibodies. Washing is indicated when these products are suspected to predispose the patient
to significant transfusion reactions.
why are units of blood divided into aliquots - ANS ✔✔reduce exposure to multiple donors
preparation of blood transfusion - ANS ✔✔type and screen
gather supplies
verify informed consent
pretransfusion meds?
obtain blood component when ready
blood transfusion order needs to include - ANS ✔✔type of blood
special preparation
quantity
duration
why does blood need to be filtered - ANS ✔✔remove clots and aggregates
Exam Prep
levels effected from blood transfusion - ANS ✔✔decreased calcium
increased potassium
rbcs usage - ANS ✔✔used to treat anemia and hemorrhage and to improve tissue oxygenation
associated with loss of oxygen carrying capacity
rbs must be used within - ANS ✔✔4 hours of preparation; in neonates should last at least 2 to 3
hours to prevent overload
neonates generally transfused with how much rbs - ANS ✔✔10 ml/kg
how much should we expect hgb to increase after transfusion - ANS ✔✔1 g/dl
crit by 3%
platelet usage - ANS ✔✔used for active bleeding related to thrombocytopenia or platelet
dysfunction or as prophylaxis without active bleeding present
plasma usage - ANS ✔✔bleeding related to a deficiency of multiple coagulation factors, reversal
of warfarin effects, or treatment of coagulopathies
cryoprecipitate usage - ANS ✔✔treatment of defective or absent plasma proteins.
Cryoprecipitate is the precipitate that remains after the thawing process of plasma and consists
of enriched factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, and factor XIII. Cryoprecipitate is used
in patients with factor XIII deficiency, such as hemophilia A and B, or disease-related deficiencies
(e.g., disseminated intravascular coagulation [DIC]), or von Willebrand disease.
, Benefits of leukocyte reduction - ANS ✔✔ecrease the frequency of recurrent febrile
nonhemolytic transfusion reaction, which is typically manifested by a temperature elevation of
1°C (1.8°F) or more occurring during or within 4 hours of transfusion.1 Leukocyte-reduced
components also have been shown to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted
cytomegalovirus (CMV) and to reduce the incidence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
alloimmunization.
Irradiated blood components prevent - ANS ✔✔propagation of T lymphocytes, which is the
immediate cause of transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
Washing blood and blood products removes - ANS ✔✔unwanted plasma proteins, including
antibodies. Washing is indicated when these products are suspected to predispose the patient
to significant transfusion reactions.
why are units of blood divided into aliquots - ANS ✔✔reduce exposure to multiple donors
preparation of blood transfusion - ANS ✔✔type and screen
gather supplies
verify informed consent
pretransfusion meds?
obtain blood component when ready
blood transfusion order needs to include - ANS ✔✔type of blood
special preparation
quantity
duration
why does blood need to be filtered - ANS ✔✔remove clots and aggregates
