ALERT
The single most important function of the nurse concerning blood product administration is verification of the patient and blood product(s) according to institution policy. Most major or fatal transfusion reactions result from clerical error, administration of blood to the wrong patient, or incorrect identification of the blood component.
Administer all blood products through a standard filter (150 to 260 microns) to remove gross fibrin clots and aggregates from the blood product.
In emergency situations, uncrossmatched O-negative blood can be administered until crossmatched blood is available. Male patients and postmenopausal female patients may receive O-positive blood.