Blood transfusion is the procedure in which you receive blood through
intravenous iv line.Blood transfusion is usually safe but there some risk ,
which are clearly explained below.But why do we need blood?
WWW.nhlbi.gov/health-topics/blood-transfusion
You might need blood due to the following reasons:
- Lost of blood during surgery
- Serious injuries such as accidents,stab wound.
- Fibriod.
- Cancer.
- Lost of blood during child birth.
- Low hemoglobin due to GI bleed.
- Other factors such as unknown etiology.
Determine if the patient need blood based on his H/H
What is the Hospital policy on blood transfusion.
Find out if patient knows the reason for transfusion.
Ask patient if he/she has transfusion reaction in the past.
Check for signed informed consent form.
Did your doctor talk to you about getting blood transfusion today?
Explain procedures to the patient.
Check iv site,you need preferable 18guage or 20guage due to
the viscosity of blood.I will not encourage 22guage.
Ask your patient to report chills,rashes or unusual symptoms.
Wash your hands and put on clean gloves.
Use at least two identifier whenever you are giving
blood/blood products.
Hang 0.9ns(Normal Saline)preferable 250ml bag with
blood administration set to initiate iv infusion and
follow administration of blood .
DO NOT USE DEXTROSE BECAUSE IT MAY LEAD
TO CLUMPING OF RED BLOOD CELLS AND HEMOLYSIS.
Obtain blood from the BLOOD BANK according to your hospital policy
when you are ready.Do not keep blood in patients or Nurses fridgerator.
Need another Nurse for verifications.
Check For:
Name Identification.Is this the patient’s name?
Does it match?
Blood product and type.
(The ABO group and RH are the same)
Check for expiration date.
Inspect blood for CLOTS.
Take vital signs before beginning transfusion.
Start infusion of the blood product slowly.
Prime in line filter with blood after priming with 0.9NS.
Start adminstration slowly 2-4ml/minute for the first 15minutes.
Check vital sign Q5minutes for the first 15minutes,
just to make sure that your patient is tolerating transfusion well.
Observe patient/client for:
Flushing,dyspnea,itching,hives or rash.
Maintain the prescribed flow rate as ordered by the doctor.
Assess infusion frequently, if you observe reaction.
Stop transfusion immediately and notify the doctor and the blood bank.
When transfuion is complete infuse 0.9normal saline.
Record adminstration of blood and patient reaction as ordered and
by hospital policy.
Return blood tranfusion bag to blood bank according to your agency policy.
Or discard in the RED Container per your agency policy.
It is very important to comply with your Agency policy.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION.
Electronic infusion devices may be used to maintain prescribed
rate but must be spcifically designed for use with Blood Transfusion.
Nurses You Move Me 