21) The basic principle of client care during transfusion is to.

21) The basic principle of client care during transfusion is to ensure the client’s safety. The client receiving a transfusion must be actively monitored for a possible transfusion reaction as serious reactions can occur within a few minutes of the transfusion commencing. Any suspected problems must be dealt with promptly and followed through appropriately.

It is also important that the effectiveness of the transfusion is evaluated and documented.

Each blood pack transfused carries the risk of an acute or delayed adverse effect. So that these are recognised and managed promptly, the client must be observed, and their vital signs (TPR, BP) measured and recorded.

Additional vital sign measurements, including oxygen saturation, are at the discretion of each clinical area/hospital policy.

Discuss the adverse reactions that you need to be aware of.

22) Outline your actions in the event of a suspected blood transfusion reaction.

23) A record of the administration of blood components must be kept in the client’s medical record.  What would you include in your documentation?

24) Blood transfusion involves a chain of decisions and actions by health professionals. Every link in this chain is vital to the patient’s safety, and every person along that chain can make an error. These mistakes can be fatal.

Human blood is fragile, and in order to prevent damage and deterioration, including bacterial growth that can be fatal, blood must always be stored under appropriate conditions. This is a designated, temperature-monitored blood fridge for red cells that may be located within the transfusion provider’s laboratory or the hospital. If, for some reason, blood is required to be stored or transported for longer than 30 minutes outside a blood fridge, a validated transport container and packing procedure must be used to ensure appropriate temperature control complies with the current Australian Standard Contact, the transfusion provider for more information.

When should blood be picked up from the laboratory of the blood fridge?

How do you correctly identify the correct client for the blood?