Blood Transfusion
Question Received:
Response:
What observations should be carried out during a blood transfusion? I am a nurse doing research as I think we do too many.
20th September 2000
From Colin Adams, Surgical Nurse:
In the hospital where I work, the following observations are carried out during the transfusion of blood and blood products:
The temperature, pulse and blood pressure are taken and recorded both before and following the transfusion and at the commencement of each new unit of blood
Fifteen minutes into the transfusion the pulse and temperature are taken and recorded
Further clinical recordings are taken only if it is felt that signs of an adverse reaction are emerging
Subjective observations continue throughout.
We shall look forward to hearing about the outcome of your research.
Suggested Reading
Rowe, R., and Doughty, H. (2000) Observation and documentation of bedside blood transfusion. British Journal of Nursing, 9(16), 1054-1058.