5 Transfusion Nursing Practice Questions Free Online FlashCards

How do you reduce wrong-patient or wrong-product errors before transfusion?

At the bedside, use the required patient identifiers and match the patient to the component label and compatibility information before starting.

What equipment should be used to administer blood components?

Use a facility-approved blood administration set with a filter, following local policy.

What is the medication rule for blood components and their tubing?

Do not add medications to the blood component or tubing, or administer medications through the same line during transfusion.

What checks are needed before administering platelets?

Verify the patient and platelet product at the bedside, record baseline observations, and administer and monitor according to the order and facility policy.

How should a patient be monitored when a transfusion begins?

Observe the patient closely during the early part, then reassess at policy-required intervals and continue monitoring throughout and after administration as indicated.

What should patients be told about symptoms during transfusion?

Tell the patient to promptly report any new symptoms during the transfusion.

What is the first response to a suspected serious transfusion reaction?

Stop the transfusion immediately, assess airway, breathing, and circulation, and call for urgent help as indicated.

How should IV access be maintained after stopping a suspected reaction?

Do not flush the blood tubing into the patient. Maintain IV access using new tubing and compatible fluid as directed by policy.

How should isolated itching and hives be managed during transfusion?

Stop the transfusion initially, assess and monitor for progression, notify the appropriate clinician, and follow local guidance for treatment and any restart.

What signs make an allergic transfusion reaction an emergency?

Breathing difficulty, facial or airway swelling, or hypotension requires emergency escalation. Do not restart unless appropriate clinical guidance specifically directs it.

What should you do if fever, rigors, hypotension, and a cloudy unit occur?

Stop the transfusion, call for urgent clinical assistance, support and assess the patient, and notify the transfusion service. Retain the unit and tubing as directed.

What is the immediate response to acute respiratory distress during transfusion?

Stop the transfusion, assess and support breathing, monitor vital signs and oxygenation, and seek urgent clinical help. Do not assume the cause or restart without direction.