plasma exchange


exchange

 [eks-chānj´] 1. the substitution of one thing for another.2. to substitute one thing for another.gas exchange the passage of oxygen and carbon dioxide in opposite directions across the membrane" >alveolocapillary membrane.health care information exchange in the nursing interventions classification, a nursing intervention defined as providing patient care information to health professionals in other agencies.impaired gas exchange a nursing diagnosis approved by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, defined as excess or deficit in oxygenation and/or carbon dioxide elimination at the membrane" >alveolocapillary membrane (see exchange" >gas exchange). Etiological and contributing factors include an altered oxygen supply, changes in the alveolar-capillary membrane, altered blood flow, and altered oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Defining characteristics include changes in mental status such as confusion, somnolence, restlessness, and irritability; ineffective coughing and inability to move secretions from the air passages; hypercapnia; and hypoxia. For specific medical treatments and nursing interventions, see airway clearance, ineffective" >airway clearance, ineffective; patterns, ineffective" >breathing patterns, ineffective; chronic airflow limitation" >chronic airflow limitation; and anemia.plasma exchange see plasma exchange." >plasma exchange.

plasma

 [plaz´mah] 1. the fluid portion of the lymph.2. the fluid portion of the blood, in which the formed elements (blood cells) are suspended. Plasma is to be distinguished from serum, which is plasma from which the fibrinogen has been separated in the process of clotting. Called also blood plasma. adj., adj plasmat´ic, plas´mic.
Of the total volume of blood, 55 per cent is made up of plasma. It is a clear, straw-colored liquid, 92 per cent water, in which are contained plasma proteins, inorganic salts, nutrients, gases, waste materials from the cells, and various hormones, secretions, and enzymes. These substances are transported to or from the tissues of the body by the plasma.
Plasma obtained from blood donors is given to persons suffering from loss of blood or from shock to help maintain adequate blood pressure. Since plasma can be dried and stored in bottles, it can be transported almost anywhere, ready for immediate use after addition of the appropriate fluid. Plasma can be given to anyone, regardless of blood type. (See also transfusion.)
Plasma volume is sometimes measured in order to calculate the total blood volume. The most common method for determining plasma volume is by injection of a dye (T-1824, called Evans blue) into the circulating blood and, after the dye has been dispersed throughout the body, using the dilution of the dye to calculate the total blood volume.antihemophilic human plasma normal human plasma that has been processed promptly to preserve the antihemophilic properties of the original blood; used for temporary correction of bleeding tendency in hemophilia.blood plasma plasma (def. 2).citrated plasma blood plasma treated with sodium citrate, which prevents clotting.plasma exchange the removal of plasma from withdrawn blood (plasmapheresis) and retransfusion of the formed elements and type-specific plasma" >fresh frozen plasma into the donor; done for removal of circulating antibodies or abnormal plasma components.fresh frozen plasma plasma separated from whole blood and frozen within 8 hours; it contains all the coagulation factors.plasma thromboplastin antecedent deficiency hemophilia C.