Blood Transfusion Procedures and Reactions

A set of vocabulary flashcards to help review key concepts related to blood transfusion procedures and associated reactions for the upcoming exam.

Blood Transfusion

A medical procedure in which blood or blood components are transferred into a person's circulatory system.

Verify order

A requirement that a physician's order must be confirmed before proceeding with a blood transfusion.

Consent

The process of obtaining permission from the patient to proceed with the blood transfusion after informing them of the procedure.

Venous access

Establishing a pathway into the bloodstream, typically using a large bore needle for easier blood flow during transfusion.

Blood compatibility

The matching of blood types to prevent adverse reactions during transfusion.

Transfusion reactions

Adverse effects that may occur during or after blood transfusion, ranging from mild allergic reactions to severe hemolytic reactions.

Y-tubing

Specialized IV tubing used for blood transfusions to allow the administration of blood and normal saline simultaneously.

Normal saline

A sterile solution of sodium chloride in water used to prime IV tubing during transfusions.

Acute hemolytic reaction

A severe transfusion reaction that occurs when the recipient's immune system attacks transfused red blood cells.

Baseline vitals

The initial set of measurements of a patient's vital signs taken before starting a blood transfusion.

Serum sickness

An immune response that can occur after a transfusion, characterized by fever, rash, and joint pain.

Documentation

The act of formally recording the details of the blood transfusion process, including patient information and any reactions.

Fluid overload

A potential complication of rapid blood infusion where the volume of fluid exceeds the patient’s circulatory system's capacity.

Transfusion record

A legal document that tracks the details of blood transfusion procedures carried out for a patient.

Allergic reaction

A mild response to a transfusion, often characterized by hives or facial flushing.

Hypotension

Abnormally low blood pressure, which can be a sign of a severe transfusion reaction.

Nursing interventions for transfusion reactions

Procedures nurses should follow when a transfusion reaction occurs, including stopping the transfusion and notifying a physician.