Blood Transfusion Flashcards
6 cards from real CRNI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Blood Transfusion flashcards as text
What is the MOST common cause of fatal transfusion reactions?
Answer: ABO-incompatible transfusion due to patient misidentification
Clerical errors leading to ABO-incompatible transfusions remain the most common preventable cause of fatal transfusion reactions.
A Jehovah's Witness patient requires urgent surgery with expected blood loss. Which blood management strategy is MOST appropriate?
Answer: Use autologous blood salvage with a continuous circuit
Autologous blood salvage using a continuous circuit (cell saver) that maintains contact with the patient's circulation is often acceptable to Jehovah's Witness patients.
Which complication is specific to massive transfusion of cold blood products?
Answer: Hypothermia-induced cardiac arrhythmias
Rapid infusion of cold blood products can cause hypothermia, leading to cardiac arrhythmias, coagulopathy, and impaired oxygen delivery.
What is the nursing priority when a hemolytic transfusion reaction is suspected?
Answer: Stop the transfusion and keep the IV line open with normal saline
The immediate priority in a suspected hemolytic reaction is to stop the transfusion to prevent further incompatible blood from entering the circulation, while maintaining IV access.
Which laboratory test confirms an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction?
Answer: Direct antiglobulin test (DAT)
The direct antiglobulin test detects antibodies or complement attached to the patient's red blood cells, confirming immune-mediated hemolysis.
How should a blood warming device be set for transfusion?
Answer: 37 degrees C with a maximum of 42 degrees C
Blood warmers should be set at 37 degrees C and must not exceed 42 degrees C, as temperatures above 42 degrees C cause red blood cell hemolysis.