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Medicine LibreTexts

8.3: Chapter 3

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Case Study #1

1. Indications for a blood transfusion for Helen:

  • Anemia (Hgb of 6.5 g/dL)
  • Fatigue and exhaustion
  • Pale appearance

2) Considerations for starting an IV for the blood transfusion:

  • Client assessment: Check Helen’s vital signs, hydration status, and any underlying medical conditions.
  • Site selection: Choose the best IV site, taking into consideration the age of the client, access, and current skin condition. Consider the size of catheter, optimally a 20-gauge catheter or larger for blood administration.
  • Equipment and supplies: Ensure you have all necessary equipment, such as an IV catheter, blood tubing, sterile dressing, and saline.
  • Safety measures: Follow standard infection control procedures to prevent transmission of infectious diseases.
  • Client comfort: Explain the procedure to Helen.

3) Steps to prepare for the administration of blood for Helen:

  • Ensure Helen has signed the consent for blood transfusion
  • Verify the correct patient with 2 identifiers, blood type, and cross-match
  • Check the compatibility of the blood with the client’s blood type and cross-match
  • Check for any allergies or sensitivities to components of the blood
  • Ensure that the blood is labeled

4) Precautions or nursing considerations:

  • Monitor for adverse reactions, such as fever, chills, itching, or hives
  • Observe for signs of anaphylaxis
  • Check the IV site regularly for any signs of infiltration or infection
  • Monitor vital signs and fluid status
  • Monitor for signs of fluid volume overload; administer transfusion at an appropriate rate to not overload the client

5) Assessments to be completed prior to the blood transfusion:

  • Vital signs
  • Lung sounds
  • Allergies or sensitivities to components of the blood
  • Blood type and cross-match

Assessments to be completed during the blood transfusion:

  • Vital signs
  • Lung sounds
  • Fluid status
  • IV site
  • Any adverse reactions

6) Blood type O- is compatible with O- and O+ blood types.

7) Steps to ensure safety for the client during blood transfusion:

  • Verify the correct client and blood type
  • Check the compatibility of the blood with the clent
  • Check for any allergies or sensitivities to components of the blood
  • Monitor vital signs, lung sounds, and fluid status
  • Observe for signs of adverse reactions

8) Steps for the procedure of administering the blood transfusion:

  • Administer furosemide 20 mg IV as ordered
  • Complete checks with a second RN
  • Attach the transfusion set to the IV tubing
  • Begin the transfusion at a slow rate and monitor vital signs
  • Observe the client for adverse reactions and adjust the rate as needed
  • Document the transfusion, including the amount and rate of transfusion, any adverse reactions, and any changes in the client’s condition
  • Administer furosemide 20 mg IV between units
  • Administer second unit of PRBCs
  • Discontinue the transfusion and remove the IV catheter once the transfusion is complete

All of the answers to the interactive element are found within the element.


8.3: Chapter 3 is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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