Adverse reactions to whole blood donation, basic human needs and nursing diagnoses: a reflection

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Health Sciences
• Human Needs Theory

Background:

• Whole blood donation is crucial, but donors can experience adverse reactions.
• Existing nursing diagnoses may not fully address the specific needs arising from these reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reflect on human needs of whole blood donors experiencing adverse reactions.
• To evaluate existing nursing diagnoses and propose adaptations for better care.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical-reflective study.
• Analysis of adverse reactions based on the Theory of Basic Human Needs.
• Review of NANDA International's nursing diagnoses.

Main Results:

• Identified key unmet needs: skin integrity, emotional security, pain, body mechanics, oxygenation, physical integrity, comfort, elimination, neurological, and vascular regulation.
• Proposed adaptations to current nursing diagnoses and suggested new ones.
• Highlighted interrelationships between needs like vascular regulation, oxygenation, and physical integrity.

Conclusions:

• Current nursing diagnoses require contextualization for whole blood donors.
• Specific diagnoses are needed for imbalances like ineffective systemic vascular regulation (e.g., vasovagal reactions).
• Enhanced nursing diagnoses can improve care for donors experiencing adverse reactions.