Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What is one of the key benefits of collecting salvaged blood during surgery?

1. Increased blood volume

2. To reduce the risk of blood transfusion reactions

3. Improvement of oxygen transport

4. To lower the patient's blood pressure

The correct answer is: Improvement of oxygen transport

Collecting salvaged blood during surgery primarily enhances the improvement of oxygen transport, making it a critical practice in surgical settings. When blood is salvaged, it is typically returned to the patient, optimizing the use of their own blood supply. This practice ensures that the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is maintained, which is essential for sustaining tissue perfusion and promoting healing during and after surgery. A key factor in this process is that by reintroducing the patient’s own blood, the body can continue to efficiently deliver oxygen to vital organs and tissues. This is particularly important in surgeries where blood loss is anticipated, as it helps to mitigate the detrimental effects of hypoxia and tissue ischemia. Additionally, the return of the salvaged blood aids in the maintenance of hemodynamic stability, further supporting effective oxygen delivery during critical surgical procedures. In contrast, while the other benefits mentioned, such as increasing blood volume or reducing the risk of transfusion reactions, are relevant to the practice of blood management, they do not encapsulate the primary purpose of salvaged blood during surgery as effectively as the improvement of oxygen transport does.