Question

what are the nurse responsibilities during blood transfusion?

Answer 1

The nurse's responsibilities during blood transfusion are

1. Confirm the doctor's order
2. Explain the patient the procedure ( its purposes, like effects and side-effects)
3. Ensure blood grouping and cross-matching ( ABO and Rh)
4. Record pretransfusion vitals
5. Check the label on the blood product
   1. serial number
   2. blood component ( RBC, FFP, cryoprecipitate, platelet)
   3. blood type ( ABO and Rh)
   4. Date of blood collection and expiry
   5. Ensure screening for HIV, HbsAg, malaria, HCV ( all should be negative
6. let the blood product thaw and reach room temperature
7. Connect the blood transfusion set ( it has a micron mess filter in it) with the blood bag
8. Charge the tubing with blood ( in other words allows, some blood to flow from the tubing, this pushes the air out of the tubing - reduce chances of air-embolism)
9. Connect to a patient's i.v access ( 18 - 19 G)
10. The transfusion should go over 4 hours ( RBC) and 20 mins for clotting factors, cryoprecipitate and plasma
11. Stand beside the patient for 15 mins and watch for any adverse reaction.
12. Keep saline-filled syringe by the patient's bedside, in case there is a blockage in the i.v. line.
13. Inform the doctor if:
    1. Chills,
    2. Fever
    3. Skin rash
    4. Difficulty breathing ( due to larygneal spasm or pulmonary edema
    5. rise in blood pressure
14. Don't mix anything with other drugs with blood