The first step if a transfusion reaction is suspected is to stop the transfusion immediately. Healthcare professionals should remove all of the transfusion equipment from the patient. They should then call for help and notify the blood bank.
Assessment of the Patient
Healthcare professionals should assess the patient's vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate. They should also look for signs of a transfusion reaction, such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, rash, and difficulty breathing.
Laboratory Testing
After the patient has been assessed, healthcare professionals should perform laboratory tests to identify the cause of the transfusion reaction. These tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), a platelet count, and a crossmatch to determine if the patient's immune system has reacted to the transfused blood.
Treatment
Treatment for a transfusion reaction depends on the severity of the reaction. Mild reactions can be treated with antihistamines and supportive care. Severe reactions may require the administration of intravenous fluids, medications, and other interventions.
Follow-up
After a transfusion reaction has been treated, healthcare professionals should follow up with the patient to ensure that there are no long-term effects. They should also report the incident to the blood bank and other relevant agencies.
