Blood Transfusions

Question 1

Indications for blood transfusion

Answer 1

• blood loss from trauma from injuries
• severe anaemia: insufficient RBC, RBC function).
• replacement of fluid or protein restoration
• replacement of essential clotting
• surgery & haemorrhage

Question 2

risks

Answer 2

• febrile reactions such as shivering, hot flushes or pain
• fluid overload
• allergic reactions
• human errors that can lead to infections, wrong blood product administration.

Question 3

nursing considerations

Answer 3

• base line obs, stay with pt for 15 mins after blood transfusion
• check labels against document, 3 ID checks (all with 2RN)
• blood needs to be used 15-30 mins after receiving it from blood bank