My Manager mentioned that one of the Committee's was going to be updating the blood transfusion Policy. She asked if I'd ask around in All Nurses on what other places do as far as checking vital Signs.
Currently, we check VS's before starting, after the 1st 15 min. & then Q 1 hr. until completed. Then we check again 1 hr. after infusion is complete.
We infuse the blood over 2-4 hrs., depending on the patient. The elderly with CHF for instance might get it at the slowest rate.
so, If I could get some ideas from you guys, I'd appreciate it!
Kaylesh
170 Posts
I'm a agency nurse .. however most of the hosptials i have been to have the same policy.
Once before starting transfusion.
every 15 min for the first hour.. then every 30 min for a hour then hourly till tranfusion is finished.
And of course more often if needed.
Kaylesh