Basics
This must be checked with a second nurse before initiating a blood transfusion
patient identification and blood product verification
The most common type of transfusion reaction, often presenting with fever or chills
Febrile Non-Hemolytic Reaction
This is the first step if a transfusion reaction is suspected
Stop the transfusion
This person must be contacted immediately if there is a serious transfusion reaction
The Ordering Provider
What rate should RBCs be initiated at in non-emergent cases
All RBCs should run at 100 ml/hr for the first 15 min. Then rate can be increased to meet the transfusion order
What type of tubing must be used with blood product administration and where do you find it?
Y-Site Tubing, Clean Supply on the Unit
This rare pulmonary adverse occurrence can result from transfusion of blood products (one or multiple) and can be life-threatening
TRALI (Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury)
How often must the patient be observed during a transfusion?
every 60 minutes
The maximum number of units typically transfused per IV set before changing the blood administration set
2 Units
How do you determine the rate for your PRBC infusion?
Check the infusion order for the length of time given by the provider. Then divide the total volume by the time. Infusion should begin at 100ml/hr, then be increased if no adverse reactions occur
Before starting a transfusion, this is assessed and documented to establish a baseline
Vital Signs
Signs of this serious reaction include back pain, fever, dark urine, and hypotension
Acute Hemolytic Reaction
Who must stay with the patient for the first 15 minutes of a transfusion?
a Registered Nurse
This is the maximum time allowed to transfuse one unit of blood
4 hours
Patients may be pre-medicated to avoid potential adverse reactions. The most common medications are:
Tylenol, Benadryl and Lasix
The only compatible carrier fluid for blood
Normal Saline
This type of reaction occurs when the body reacts to donor plasma proteins, often with itching or hives
Allergic Reaction
This electrolyte imbalance can occur due to blood transfusions, particularly in massive transfusions
Hyperkalemia
If any discrepancy is found during product verification, what shouldbe done?
Immediately return the product to the blood bank
In a patient with a central line, what steps must be taken to care for their line following completion of transfusion?
Flush the line, change the tubing and change your needleless connectors (claves)
This lab value is monitored to assess the effectiveness of red blood cell transfusions in anemic patients
Hemoglobin
This transfusion-related complication, characterized by difficulty breathing, often requires diuretics and oxygen therapy
Transfusion-Related Circulatory Overload (TACO)
In addition to vital signs, these two assessments are critical for detecting early signs of TACO (Transfusion-Related Circulatory Overload)
Respiratory Status and Lung Sounds
Blood products should be administered within this many minutes of leaving the blood bank
30 Minutes
If you get an error while scanning, check to make certain this is turned off at the computer
Cap Lock