During surgery, a patient receives two units of packed cells, but the surgeon states that they will need more. How should the nurse handle this situation?
A)Prepare the blood warmer to warm the additional units of blood before the transfusion.
B)Call the Blood Bank and tell them the patient needs to be tested for a type and crossmatch.
C)Call the Blood Bank and tell them to send one more unit of O+ blood, from a universal donor.
D)Both A and B

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should prepare the blood warmer to warm the additional units of blood before the transfusion. Blood should be warmed before administration, particularly in situations when more blood is necessary and must be administered quickly. Giving blood that has been stored and is cold may cause hypothermia for the patient and could lead to cardiac arrhythmias.

During Surgery, a Patient Receives Two Units of Packed Cells