LABORATORY COURSE TASK 1
Complete the table:  Enumerate 5 transfusion reactions and their causes. List the clinical signs
and nursing interventions for each transfusion reactions.  (5 pts per row)
TRANSFUSION
REACTION / CAUSE
1. Acute hemolytic reactions
This can happen if
there's red blood cell damage
before the transfusion due to
heat or an imbalance in the
cells.
2. Delayed hemolytic
reactions
This may happen when
an antigen (toxin or foreign
substance) gets reintroduced
into your blood
3. Anaphylactic reactions
Similar to a simple
allergic reaction but is more
severe
4. Febrile non-hemolytic
reactions
This may happen when
your donor's white blood cells
produce cytokines
(substances that work with
the immune system)
5. Septic (bacteria
contamination) reactions
This may happen if the
blood is contaminated with
bacteria or bacteria waste
products.
CLINICAL SIGNS
 Chills
 Low blood pressure
 Renal failure
 Back pain
 Mild fever
 Jaundice
 Decreased post
transfusion hematocrit.
 Lack of fever
 Urticaria
 Dyspnea
 Chest tightness
 Hypotension
 Decreased oxygen
saturation
 Fever
 Chills
 Flushing
 Nausea most common
type
 Fever
 Chills or rigors
 Low blood pressure
 Abdominal pain
NURSING
INTERVENTIONS
Stop transfusion immediately.
Hydrate with normal saline.
Maintain airway, breathing &
circulation.
Stop transfusion immediately.
Hydrate with normal saline.
Maintain airway, breathing &
circulation, obtain pre-
transfusion bank specimens.
If ordered, replace lost blood
with additional transfusion.
Stop transfusion immediately.
Hydrate with normal saline.
Maintain airway, breathing &
circulation, and administer
steroids & epinephrine as
ordered.
Stop transfusion immediately.
Hydrate with normal saline.
Maintain airway, breathing &
circulation.
Stop transfusion immediately.
Hydrate with normal saline.
Maintain airway, breathing &
circulation. Give broad
spectrum antibiotics as
ordered. Notify blood bank &
lab. Draw cultures for testing.