Question Procrit on same day blood transfused?

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2003

Depends on the cause of the anemia. And the H&H.

If the patient is in nadir from chemotherapy, it understandable. The MD is correcting an immediate shortage of RBCs and giving the procrit to help prevent an expected future anemia. It will take a while for the procrit to elevate the level of RBCs, and the body tends to break down the transfused cells quicker. It is also done for some chronic blood disorders and anemias.

If it is a surgical situation, it is more questionable.

PM with details if appropriate and more info needed.

Carolina

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2003

It's a hemetological/medical anemia, not surgical. But not chemo related.

moonshadeau, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP, CNS · Dec 17, 2003

We give Epogen and Blood in the same day. Usually the people that need blood are those long term anemic that are on Epogen as a standing order. Blood is given to help them get their H+H up. Most often seen on our floor with the folks with kidney problems as they have many co-morbidities.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2003

There are many anemias (hem disorders) where that would be appropriate.

But the Hemodialysis patient, also is a very good example. They are frequently on epogen, but may also require transfusion at the same time.

BarbPick · Dec 17, 2003

transfusion dependant patients need the 7. something hgb taken care of today. The procrit is an investment in tomorrow's stimulation of the patients own bone marrow.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2003

Thank you very much for your input. That really helps a lot.

Hopefully, I can educate a few of my coworkers who were a bit misguided yesterday.