Blood transfusion nursing procedure
Categories: HEALTH
Blood transfusion: What is it?
Blood lost after surgery or injury is replaced by blood transfusions, a technique that could save a person's life. Patients with disorders that prevent them from naturally producing enough blood cells for their bodies can also benefit from receiving a blood transfusion as a kind of treatment. Transfusions of blood are a necessary component of operations and other life-saving procedures. For new healthcare practitioners, learning this crucial skill may be both thrilling and intimidating. In a healthcare setting, it's crucial for Registered Nurses (RNs) to master the right blood transfusion technique.
Blood is injected into a patient's body through a small tube that is attached to a vein in their arm or hand during a blood transfusion, which is a common medical operation. A small needle is inserted into a vein, typically in the arm or hand, to provide a blood transfusion. This permits blood to flow from a bag through a rubber tube and into the patient's vein through the needle. Throughout this process, nurses are required to continuously check their patient's vital signs.
Anaemia patients who require red blood cell transfusions may have an iron deficit. With this transfusion, a patient's haemoglobin and iron levels would increase, and their body's oxygen levels would also be raised. Patients with leukaemia or other forms of malignancy are frequently given platelet transfusions. This is owing to the possibility that their platelet counts have decreased as a result of chemotherapy. Some patients may have diseases that prevent their bodies from producing enough platelets. As a result, individuals can require frequent transfusions to maintain their health. A patient's whole health depends on the important proteins and other compounds that plasma transfusions supply. People who have severe burns, severe infections, or liver failure frequently have plasma transfusions.
What is the Purpose of a Blood Transfusion?
a. A blood transfusion is frequently given to patients undergoing major surgery to replenish blood lost during the operation.
b. Patients who have had catastrophic injuries in vehicle accidents, natural catastrophes, or other traumatic occurrences frequently receive blood transfusions.
c. Blood transfusions are frequently necessary for patients whose conditions result in anaemia as a component of their care. These may consist of conditions like leukaemia or kidney disease.
Blood Transfusion Nursing Procedure:
Blood or blood products are delivered from a donor to a recipient during a blood transfusion. It entails a number of crucial nursing actions to guarantee the secure and effective administration of blood. An overview of the blood transfusion nursing procedure is provided below:
1. Verify the order: The nurse must confirm that there is a current and legitimate doctor's order before beginning the blood transfusion. Check the blood product's compatibility with the recipient's blood type and the recipient's identification.
2. Informed consent: Get informed consent by outlining the operation to the patient or their designated representative. Give details about any possible hazards, advantages, and blood transfusion alternatives.
3. Pre-transfusion assessments: Assess the patient thoroughly, taking note of their vital signs, allergies, medical history, and current medications. Check the patient's hematocrit and haemoglobin levels at baseline.
4. Two-person verification: To ensure precise identification and matching, involve another qualified healthcare expert in a double-check of the blood product, recipient, and compatibility information.
5. Accessing the blood product: Ensure correct identification and ensure the information on the blood bag label corresponds to the recipient's information before claiming the blood product from the blood bank.
6. Preparing the equipment: A blood administration set including a filter, IV tubing, saline flush, gloves, and personal protection equipment (PPE) should all be gathered.
7. Intravenous (IV) line insertion: Create an intravenous (IV) access using an IV catheter of the proper size. If you require concurrent infusions, use a Y-type administration set or a specialised IV line for blood transfusions.
8. Baseline vital signs: The patient's baseline vital indicators, such as their temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate, should be measured and recorded.
9. Compatibility check: Compare the patient's identification and the second healthcare provider's verification to the data on blood product compatibility.
10. Prime the administration set: Saline solution should be used to prime the blood administration set as directed by the manufacturer, with any air bubbles being removed.
11. Initiate the transfusion: To ensure a closed system, use the administration set to spike the blood bag. For the first 15 minutes, start the blood transfusion slowly (usually 2-5 mL/minute) while keeping a watchful eye on the patient for any negative reactions.
12. Monitor the patient: Throughout the transfusion, keep an eye out for any signs of a transfusion reaction, such as fever, chills, rash, shortness of breath, or hypotension. To protect the patient's safety throughout the first 15 to 30 minutes, stay by their side.
13. Transfusion rate adjustment: The transfusion rate can be gradually increased to the necessary rate, typically 100-200 mL/hour, depending on the patient's tolerance and the absence of adverse responses.
14. Documentation: Keep accurate records of the transfusion's beginning and ending times as well as any responses or complications.
15. Post-transfusion assessments: Reevaluate the patient's vital signs and overall status following the transfusion. Any delayed transfusion responses should be watched closely.
Nurses should remain at the patient's bedside while doing a blood transfusion nursing procedure and keeping an eye on their vital signs. The patient should be made aware of any potential reactional symptoms, and any unusual observations should be recorded. The transfusion should be discontinued right away if a response happens.
Always adhere to the blood transfusion administration regulations and procedures established by your institution, and contact the medical staff if you have any questions or concerns at any point in the operation.
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