Acute reactions during transfusion

Question 1

What are the 6 types of reaction that can occur when transfusing blood?

Answer 1

Haemolytic
Allergic
Bacterial contamination
Febrile non-haemolytic
TRALI - transfusion related acute lung injury
Fluid overload

Question 2

Which three transfusion reactions do you need to stop the line immediately

Answer 2

Haemolytic
Allergic
TRALI

Question 3

Which two occur within a few minutes of starting the transfusion

Answer 3

Allergic

Haemolytic

Question 4

Patient begins to get a high fever, rigors and a drop in blood pressure - which reaction are they likely to have?

Answer 4

Bacterial contamination

Question 5

Pt begins to have shortness of breath a few hours after transfusion has started, what three types of transfusion reaction could they be having?

Answer 5

TRALI
Fluid overload
Allergic

Question 6

What two drugs do you add to therapy if you suspect a pt is having a fluid overload during their transfusion

Answer 6

O2

Furosemide

Question 7

In which types of reaction do you simply slow the transfusion and add other therapies?

Answer 7

Febrile, non-haemolytic
Fluid overload
Bacterial contamination

Question 8

Which Abx would you add if bacterial contamination is suspected?

Answer 8

Taz and Gent

Question 9

What are the 4 blood products in use in healthcare?

Answer 9

Packed red cells
Platelets
FFP
Human albumin solution