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Transfusion reaction identification and management at the bedside
Kendall P Crookston1, Sara C Koenig, Michael D Reyes
1Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico; United Blood Services of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Kendall P. Crookston, MD, PhD, is a professor of pathology and medicine at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, with expertise in transfusion medicine and medical education. He holds a PhD in biochemistry and has written and edited articles, chapters, and textbooks used by physicians and nurses. As the regional medical director for United Blood Services of New Mexico since 1999, he has been director of an active therapeutic apheresis nursing service. Sara C. Koenig, MD, is the medical director of the clinical laboratories and the blood bank at the University of New Mexico and is actively involved in hemovigilance and transfusion safety. She is also an associate medical director of United Blood Services of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Michael D. Reyes, MD, has completed training in anatomic and clinical pathology and is currently a transfusion medicine fellow at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, in Albuquerque.
Blood product transfusion, a common medical procedure, involves risks like complex biological reactions and infections. Nurses must recognize transfusion reactions to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Blood product transfusion is a frequent invasive medical procedure.
- Unlike pharmaceuticals, blood transfusions are essentially liquid transplants.
- Transfusions carry risks of complex biological complications and infectious diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of nurses in managing blood transfusions.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing transfusion reactions for patient safety.
- To underscore the need for understanding potential transfusion complications.
Main Methods:
- Observational analysis of transfusion procedures.
- Review of common transfusion reactions and their clinical presentations.
- Assessment of nursing responsibilities during transfusion.
Main Results:
- Vital sign changes are common during transfusions.
- Distinguishing normal responses from adverse reactions is crucial.
- Nurses' vigilance is key to identifying and managing reactions.
Conclusions:
- Nurses play a vital role in successful blood product transfusion.
- Early recognition of transfusion reactions by bedside nurses improves patient outcomes.
- Understanding transfusion complications is essential for healthcare providers.
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