Cold Blood

[garciadiego]

I posted my question at Med. Surg. nursing because that is the area I am working in. Can someone tell me or give me a web. site, that will explain how to use a blood warmer? I had to use one for the first time, didn't know how and neither did some of the other nurses on the floor, I had to call the IV nurse. She set it up, but was in a rush, and did not explain what she was doing.

Thanks

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

There are several types of blood warmers. Was it one with blood warming coils or did it have 2 warming plates. What brand is it? Most brands will have some instructions on how to prime it and set it up on the unit itself. Some come with special tubing and in others you can use any standard IV tubing. Then all you have to know is a few key concepts. Why are you warming the blood? Does the patient have cold agglutins? You do not want to exceed 37 degrees Centigrade and you would monitor patient as you normally would.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Better get your staff educator involved as this is a high-risk, low volume skill. You might try the website for the manufacturer. Many have education videos or slides online. I am so glad you are taking the initiative to do it right!

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

or you can have an IV nurse come to a staff meeting for an inservice. I know for a fact that our nurse educators would call us b/c they do not know how to set it up .