Promoting Safety in Blood Transfusions
Last Revised: Nov 30, 2012
Contributed by: Dana Kyles, RN, BSN, CCRN
Abstract
Blood transfusion can be a life–saving procedure, but it has risks. It is important for nurses to understand the blood components that patients are receiving, recognize complications, implement appropriate interventions, and educate the patient and the family regarding potential reactions and adverse effects. Any blood component can cause a reaction. Despite steps that blood banks have taken to decrease the risk of the transmission of infectious diseases associated with transfusion, risks remain. Transfusion safety has become a focus of many regulatory agencies, is considered one of the National Quality Forum "Never Events," and is a focus of The Joint Commission. This Clinical Update describes types of blood components and indications for each, blood component administration guidelines, steps to take when a transfusion reaction is suspected, types of transfusion reactions, and helpful guidelines to assist nurses in providing safe transfusion practices.
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