- 1
Confirm and reconfirm the doctor's order.Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
Double-check the doctor's orders for platelet administration and the number of units to be given. Double-check the patient's name against the chart and the patient's armband. - 2). Explain "The Informed Consent to Medical or Surgical Procedure" form for the platelet transfusion to the patient and obtain his signature. File this document in the patient chart.
- 3
If not already written, call the doctor for a second platelet count.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Call the doctor or resident to obtain a telephone or verbal order for a one hour post platelet transfusion platelet count, if this medical order has not already been written. - 4). Administer antipyretics and/or antihistamines to the patient, if ordered, to prevent or lessen allergic reactions.
- 5). Obtain the requested units from the blood bank using your facility's release form.
- 6
An all-in-one vital sign monitor can save you time and work.Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
Measure and record baseline vital signs - temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure. - 7
Always double-check blood product information with another professional.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Ask another licensed health care provider to confirm with you the label on the blood product bag against the patient armband. Obtain her co-signature on your facility's Blood Transfusion Record, documenting this extra measure of protection. - 8). Connect the 150 ml bag of normal saline to one arm of the Y-set and prime the tubing. Close the clamp on the arm connected to the normal saline. Connect the bag of platelets to the remaining arm of the Y-set. If approved by your facility, a blood-compatible IV pump can be used to infuse the platelets at 100 ml per 15 minutes.
- 9). Monitor, measure and record baseline vital signs - temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure throughout the transfusion period.
- 10
Observe the patient for signs and symptoms of a transfusion reaction: bloody urine, chills, fainting, dizziness, fever, flank or back pain and a rash. Stop the transfusion and call the doctor immediately, if any of these symptoms occur. - 11
Rinse the empty platelet bag with 5 to 10ml of normal saline by lowering the platelet bag and opening the clamp to normal saline. Re-hang the platelet bag at its original level and allow the remaining fluid to infuse. - 12
Measure and record post-transfusion vital signs - temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure. - 13
Document the completed transfusion on your facility's Blood Transfusion Record and in the patient's chart.
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