blood transfusion consent

[bbpp]

I transfused one unit blood without checking the consent. The patient was unresponsive and hct was low. I rushed to give blood and forgot to check consent. What is the consequence? I am so scared. My Shift was busy when other nurses read magazine. It was a hard assignment.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

There is implied consent when the pt. is unresponsive but in the future you'll know to double-check for the signed consent on the chart before transfusing and ask the MD if you don't find one.

[Christie RN2006]

We always have to get at least a verbal consent from the patient, their POA or next of kin before giving blood. We have a lot of Jehovah Witnesses in our area that refuse blood products, so it is very very important to always have consent prior to giving blood.

I'm not sure what consequence would be for giving blood without a consent. I know where I work, we would at least have to fill out a QA form and call the family ASAP to get consent.