ASSIGNMENT ON

BLOOD TRANSFUSION
 BLOOD TRANSFUSION

Definition

 Blood transfusion consists of administration of compatible donor’s whole

blood or any of its components to correct/ treat any clinical condition.

Purposes

 To restore circulating blood volume

 To correct platelet and coagulation factor deficiencies
 To correct anemia

Articles

 Blood transfusion set

 Normal saline
 Blood/ blood components – sterile in appropriate container
 Cannula No: 18/19 (adult)
 Alcohol/ iodine swabs (disinfectant)
 Sterile gauze
 Tourniquet
 Adhesive tape
 Scissors
 Roller bandage and splint (optional)
 Infusion stand
 Disposal bag/ kidney tray
 Disposable gloves
 Pressure bag (optional in case of severe bleeding)
  Specimen container

Indications

Blood transfusions are indicated for various medical conditions, including:

 Acute Blood Loss

 Chronic Anemia
 Severe Anemia
 Blood Disorders
 Bone Marrow Transplants
 Cancer Treatment
 Severe Burns

Contraindications

While blood transfusions are generally safe, there are certain contraindications and
considerations:

 Allergic Reactions
 Autoimmune Disorders
 Specific Antibodies
 Congestive Heart Failure
 Infections

Procedure

 Check physician’s orders, patient’s condition, and history of transfusion/

infusion reaction, reason for present transfusion etc.
 Indentify patient
 Check availability of blood with the blood bank
 Explain the procedure to the patient, need for transfusion, blood product to
be given, approximate length of time, desired outcome etc.
 Emphasize the need for patient to report unusual symptoms immediately
 Obtain informed consent from patient.
 Obtain blood from blood bank in accordance with agency policy, if
transfusion cannot begin immediately, return product to blood bank; blood
which is out of refrigerator for more than 30 minutes.
 Above 10 degree centigrade cannot be re-issued. Never store blood in
unauthorized area-like ward refrigerator. Blood must be used in refrigerator
unit at carefully controlled temp (4* c)
 Encourage patient to empty bowel and bladder and assist to a comfortable
position. Collect urine specimen.
 Ensure privacy.
 Wash and dry hands
 Check vital signs and record
 Don disposable gloves
 Insert IV cannula (18G/19G), if not already present in a large peripheral vein
and infusion of normal saline solution using blood transfusion set.
 Inspect the blood product
 Identification number
 Blood group and type
 Expiry date
 Compatibility
 Patient’s name
  Abnormal color, clots, excess air ect.
 Warm blood if needed using special blood warmer or immerse partially in
tepid water
 If blood product is found to be correct, stop the saline solution by closing
roller clamp. Remove insertion spike from saline container and insert spike
into blood container
 Start infusion of blood product slowly, at the rate of 25 to 50ml per hour for
the first 15 minutes. Stay with patient for first 15 minutes. Check vital signs
every 15 minutes for first 30 minutes, or as per agency policy.
 Increase infusion rate if no adverse reactions are noticed, the flow rate
should be within safe limits.
 Assess the condition of patient every 30 minutes and if any adverse effect is
observed stop transfusion and start saline. Send urine sample, blood sample
and remaining blood product in container with transfusion set, back to the
blood bank.
 Complete transfusion and administer saline (as per physician’s order), if no
adverse reaction is observed.
 Dispose blood product container and set in appropriate receptacle
 Wash hands
 Record the following: product and volume transfused, identification number
and blood group:
 Time administration, started and completed
 Name and signature of nursing staff carrying out procedure and patient’s
condition. If agency policy requires remove label from blood bag and paste
it on patient’s record.
 Assist patient to comfortable position
Complications of Blood Transfusions

 Acute Reactions
 Delayed Reactions
 Infectious Complications
 Volume Overload
 Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI)
 Iron Overload
 Metabolic Complications
 Hemolysis
 Hypothermia
 Air Embolism

Conclusion

While blood transfusions are a critical and often life-saving procedure, they come
with potential risks and complications. Careful patient assessment, proper
matching and handling of blood products, vigilant monitoring during and after
transfusion, and immediate intervention at the first sign of a complication are
essential to minimize these risks and ensure patient safety.

Bibliography:

 Craven, R. F., & Hirnle, C. J. (2017). Fundamentals of Nursing: Human

Health and Function. Wolters Kluwer Health.

 Potter, P. A., Perry, A. G., Stockert, P., & Hall, A. (2020). Fundamentals of
Nursing. Elsevier Health Sciences.