Master Blood Transfusion Administration with Picmonic for Nursing RN

A large bore needle has been traditionally used when administering blood to prevent lysis of blood cells. However, current best practices advise selecting the smallest-gauge PIVC that will accommodate the prescribed therapy and patient need. For example, use of a 20- to 24-gauge for most infusion therapies is recommended. Peripheral catheters larger than 20-gauge are more likely to cause phlebitis. Use a 22- to 26-gauge catheter for neonates, pediatric patients, older adults, and patients with limited venous options to minimize insertion-related trauma. Use 16–18 gauge in situations where rapid transfusion is required for adults.

Special tubing, called Y tubing, is used when administering blood products. This type of tubing contains a filter and allows for saline flushing.

Vital signs should be obtained prior to starting the blood transfusion. Baseline vital signs will allow the nurse to easily detect changes in the patient’s condition, which could indicate a transfusion reaction.

Blood products should be administered slowly, under normal circumstances. Typically, blood is transfused at a rate of no more than 2 milliliters per minute for the first 15 minutes.

The patient should be continually monitored during the first 15 minutes of the transfusion or while the first 50 milliliters of blood is being infused; transfusion reactions typically manifest during this time.

Transfusion reactions are likely to occur within the first 15 minutes of the transfusion. The nurse should monitor the patient for changes in vital signs, such as an increase in body temperature; fever is often the first sign of a reaction. Fluid overload may also occur if a large volume of blood is given too rapidly.

The blood product must run through its own IV tubing that has been primed with normal saline.

Only normal saline should be used during a blood transfusion in the Y tubing set up. The use of dextrose or lactated ringers will cause hemolysis.

Administration of blood products may not be acceptable to a patient, such as a Jehovah’s Witness, due to their religious beliefs.