A nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) to a client with symptomatic anemia. Arrange the following actions in the correct chronological sequence to ensure safe administration.
- 1Verify the healthcare provider's prescription and confirm that the client has signed the informed consent.
- 2Assess the patency of the intravenous (IV) catheter and obtain the client's baseline vital signs.
- 3Obtain the unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) from the blood bank facility.
- 4Perform a joint verification of the client's identity and the blood product with another registered nurse at the bedside.
- 5Initiate the blood transfusion slowly and remain continuously with the client for the first 15 minutes.
Answer
The correct sequence is to first verify the prescription and consent, then assess IV patency and baseline vital signs, followed by obtaining the blood from the blood bank. Afterward, perform the two-nurse bedside verification, and finally, initiate the transfusion slowly.
Safe administration of blood products requires a strict, logical sequence to prevent life-threatening errors and product waste. The nurse must first ensure authorization (prescription and consent). Next, the nurse must ensure the client is physically ready (patent IV and stable baseline vitals) before obtaining the blood, because PRBCs must be hung within 30 minutes of leaving the blood bank. After retrieving the blood, the nurse must perform the mandatory two-nurse verification at the bedside to ensure exact compatibility. Finally, the transfusion is started slowly while the nurse remains with the client for the first 15 minutes to monitor for acute severe reactions.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Safe Administration of Blood Products