Premedication for blood transfusion

hrtprncss · Sep 1, 2005

that's usually given if the pt already has a temperature that's elevated to begin with. when we do give tylenol and benadryl as part of blood tx then even if the pt continuous to have an elevated temp we dont have to notify unless the temp change is greater than 2 degrees baseline.

moshimoshi · Sep 1, 2005

that's usually given if the pt already has a temperature that's elevated to begin with. when we do give tylenol and benadryl as part of blood tx then even if the pt continuous to have an elevated temp we dont have to notify unless the temp change is greater than 2 degrees baseline.

I understand that Tylenol is for fever. Is Benedryl also used as temperature control? Isn't it used uaully for allergies? Thank you for your quick reply!

elthia · Sep 1, 2005

We often do that for patient's who have recieved blood in the past. Having had past transfusions can sometimes make you more susceptible to having an allergic reaction.

Editorial Team / Admin · Sep 1, 2005

I am a 2nd semester RN student. I've never had blood transfusion experience before. As I was working with my RN on blood transfution order from a doctor for a patient whose hemoglobin was 4.6, doctor ordered to premedicate the patient with Benedrryl 25mg and Tylenol 650 mg. Is it a standard procedure? What is it for?

Tylenol and Benadryl are given prior to the transfusion to try and thwart a minor allergic reaction, ie: febrile non-hemolytic reaction. There is some controversy regarding the use of these meds and under much discussion amongst physicians/nurse practitioners.

hrtprncss · Sep 1, 2005

Siri, what's the controversy? Masking of true allergic reactions?

moshimoshi · Sep 1, 2005

Tylenol and Benadryl are given prior to the transfusion to try and thwart a minorallergic reaction, ie: febrile non-hemolytic reaction. There is some controversy regarding the use of these meds and under much discussion amongst physicians/nurse practitioners.

Are there other medications that might be used prior to blood transfusion?

Jennerizer, ASN, RN · Sep 1, 2005

Lasix is sometimes given prior to a blood transfusion so the pt won't have fluid overload. It's also sometimes given inbetween units for the same reason.

hrtprncss · Sep 1, 2005

oh and i just wanted to say, siri, it's really great to have someone here as a resource like you....very well versed...and a great help for questions not easily answered...i think ur doing a great service for nurses being a staff moderator...now i want my brownie points.

Editorial Team / Admin · Sep 1, 2005

Siri, what's the controversy? Masking of true allergic reactions?

The controversy is if the acetaminophen would mask a fever that would be a prelimanary indicator of acute hemolytic reaction. That has been debated for sometime, years.......However, there have been instances of patients receiving pretransfusion acetaminophen and receiving ABO-incompatible RBCs.....have a local reaction AND spike a fever to 104 F. The hemolyisis exacted itself despite the pre-treatment. So, there is some controversy. It is up to the discretion of the physician/NP.

I premedicate.

hrtprncss · Sep 1, 2005

how bout corticosteroids, as oppose to benadryl, have u used it before just as prophylaxis, if pt's presents with fever, without having previous transfusion reactions before or do u just stick with benadryl.

Editorial Team / Admin · Sep 1, 2005

Lasix is sometimes given prior to a blood transfusion so the pt won't have fluid overload. It's also sometimes given inbetween units for the same reason.

Lasix is normally given between and after transfusions, when indicated, not before. :balloons: