Blood Transfusion

Blood Transfusion: Types & Clinical Uses for Nurses

Blood transfusion is a life-saving procedure where blood or its components are administered intravenously to a patient to restore normal blood levels. It plays a vital role in emergency care, surgery, trauma, and managing chronic conditions like anemia or blood disorders.

Types of Blood Transfusion:

1. Whole Blood Transfusion: Used rarely; indicated in severe blood loss or massive hemorrhage.
2. Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs): Commonly used to treat anemia and increase oxygen-carrying capacity.
3. Platelet Transfusion: Administered in thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction to prevent bleeding.
4. Plasma (Fresh Frozen Plasma): Replaces clotting factors in patients with liver disease or coagulation disorders.
5. Cryoprecipitate: Contains concentrated clotting factors; used in hemophilia or fibrinogen deficiency.

Clinical Uses:

1. Severe blood loss due to trauma or surgery
2. Severe anemia or hemoglobinopathies
3. Coagulopathies and liver dysfunction
4. Bone marrow suppression or chemotherapy
5. Thrombocytopenia and bleeding disorders

Nursing Role: Nurses ensure correct patient identification, cross-matching, monitoring for transfusion reactions, maintaining aseptic techniques, and documenting vital signs before, during, and after transfusion.

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