blood transfusion [AS, blod + L transfundere, to pour through] , the administration of whole blood or a component, such as packed red cells, to replace blood lost through trauma, surgery, or disease. ▪ METHOD: Needed equipment is gathered; orders are reviewed; transfusion consent is completed; and blood component is obtained, verified, and inspected per institution protocol. It is extremely important that the blood component to be transfused is compatible with the individual receiving the transfusion and that the correct individual is receiving the transfusion. Once verification of product and individual is confirmed, the blood component is hung using the appropriate tubing and setup and infused. A piggybacked 0.9% normal saline solution is set up to follow the infusion or to flush the line in the event of a transfusion reaction. Infusion must be completed in under 4 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Individuals must be carefully monitored for a transfusion reaction during infusion. Vital signs should be checked every 5 minutes along with checks for signs and symptoms such as fever, facial flushing, rapid thready pulse, cold clammy skin, itching, swelling at infusion site, dizziness, dyspnea, and low back or chest pain. (Stop infusion immediately at any sign of transfusion reaction.) After infusion, IV tubing is cleared with saline solution and the blood bag discarded according to institution policy. ▪ OUTCOME CRITERIA: No signs of transfusion reaction. (See transfusion reaction for appropriate interventions if reaction occurs.) Laboratory values show positive response to administration of blood component.
