Transfusion confusion

Evidence-based practice for red blood cell transfusions

“…[25][26][27] The following questions can provide guidance when caring for a patient with a low Hb value (<10 g/dL): 25 • Is the patient actively bleeding (Hb drop greater than 2 g in 24 hours)? Use clinical assessment findings and other objective data rather than Hb values in isolation and collaborate with the HCP to determine the most effective treatment plan for the patient.…”

“…[25][26][27][28] Assess patients for changes in cardiopulmonary status, including a sudden decrease in SpO 2 , dyspnea, shortness of breath, tachypnea, changes in breath or heart sounds, or tachycardia that occur during or within 6 hours after the transfusion is completed. Changes in the patient's clinical status during the transfusion should be compared to baseline assessment data.…”

Priming Blood Transfusion Tubing: A Critical Review of the Blood Transfusion Process

“…3,4 A blood transfusion is, in essence, a liquid transplant of living tissue, are now implementing restrictive transfusion strategies (using a hemoglobin threshold of 7 g/dL vs 10 g/dL). [6][7][8] With the exception of patients with active coronary ischemic syndromes, restrictive blood transfusions have resulted in decreased morbidity and mortality rates. It is believed that these blood transfusion risks are related to aging blood storage effects and to the immune-modulating effects that occur to some degree in all blood transfusion recipients.…”