- Blood transfusion is the process of transferring blood or blood products from one person (donor) into the bloodstream of another person (recipient). - It is commonly used to replace blood lost during surgery or injury, treat certain medical conditions such as anemia or hemophilia, or to improve the overall health of a patient. - Before a blood transfusion, both the donor and recipient are carefully matched to ensure compatibility and reduce the risk of complications. - Blood transfusions can be done with whole blood, packed red blood cells, platelets, plasma, or other blood components depending on the specific needs of the recipient. - Risks associated with blood transfusions include allergic reactions, infections, and transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). - Patients receiving a blood transfusion should be closely monitored for signs of adverse reactions, such as fever, chills, shortness of breath, or chest pain. - It is important for healthcare providers to follow strict protocols for blood transfusions to ensure patient safety and prevent complications.
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Google Gemini AI
Sep 24
Blood Transfusion
Indications
- Severe anemia (Hb < 7 g/dL) - Acute blood loss - Exchange transfusion in newborns
- Patient identification: Confirm patient's name, date of birth, and hospital identification number. - Medical history: Obtain information about allergies, recent transfusions, and any underlying conditions. - Physical examination: Assess vital signs, skin color, and mucous membranes for signs of anemia or blood loss. - Blood type and crossmatch: Verify patient's blood type and perform a crossmatch with donor blood to ensure compatibility.
Procedure
- Obtain an informed consent from the patient or legal guardian. - Prepare the patient with intravenous access. - Connect the blood transfusion bag to the IV line and adjust the rate according to physician orders. - Monitor the patient closely during the transfusion.
Monitoring During Transfusion
- Vital signs: Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation. - Respiratory: Auscultate breath sounds for any signs of respiratory distress. - Skin and mucous membranes: Observe for any signs of rash, redness, or swelling. - Urine output: Monitor urine output to ensure adequate hydration.
Possible Complications
- Transfusion reactions: - Hemolytic: Destruction of donor RBCs due to ABO or Rh incompatibility. - Allergic: Hypersensitivity reaction to plasma proteins. - Febrile non-hemolytic: Mild fever and chills without hemolysis. - Circulatory overload: When the transfusion rate is too fast or the patient's circulatory system cannot tolerate the extra volume. - Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI): A severe lung injury caused by antibodies in donor plasma. - Infection: Transmission of bloodborne pathogens such as HIV or hepatitis.
Nursing Interventions
- Pre-transfusion: - Verify patient's identity and crossmatch results. - Explain the procedure and address any concerns. - Monitor vital signs and prepare IV access. - During transfusion: - Monitor the patient closely for any adverse reactions. - Adjust the transfusion rate as ordered. - Educate the patient on potential complications. - Post-transfusion: - Monitor the patient for signs of delayed transfusion reactions. - Document the transfusion, including the type of blood products transfused, amount, and duration. - Encourage the patient to drink plenty of fluids and rest.