Blood Transfusion and Reaction Management
Blood transfusion requires strict identity and compatibility checks. Nurses monitor closely for transfusion reactions and act immediately if one occurs.
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What you must know about Blood Transfusion
Two qualified staff independently check patient identity and blood compatibility before transfusion.
Record baseline vital signs before starting and monitor closely, especially in the first 15 minutes.
Signs of a transfusion reaction: fever, chills, rigor, back/loin pain, hypotension, rash, dyspnoea.
If a reaction is suspected, STOP the transfusion immediately.
After stopping, keep the IV line open with normal saline and notify the doctor.
Blood must be transfused within the recommended time and never mixed with other IV fluids/drugs.
NMCN Exam Tips
How this topic appears in the NMCN exam
The FIRST action in a suspected transfusion reaction is to STOP the transfusion.
After stopping, maintain IV access with normal saline.
Two-person identity/compatibility check is mandatory.
Monitor most closely during the first 15 minutes.
Practice Question
Test yourself
Fifteen minutes into a blood transfusion, a patient develops fever, chills, and back pain. What is the nurse's FIRST action?
Explanation
Fever, chills, and back pain suggest a transfusion reaction. The immediate priority is to STOP the transfusion to prevent further harm, then keep the vein open with normal saline, monitor vital signs, and notify the physician.
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