Paediatric Nursing (PAED)
BLOOD TRANSFUSION IN A CHILD
Administration of blood or blood products to restore blood volume or correct deficiencies.
Purpose
- Restore blood volume
- Correct anemia
- Replace clotting factors
- Support oxygen delivery
Indications
- Severe anemia
- Blood loss
- Coagulopathy
- Thrombocytopenia
- Sickle cell crisis
Equipment
- Prescribed blood product
- Blood transfusion set
- Normal saline
- IV pump
- Vital signs monitor
- Emergency equipment
- Gloves
Preparation
- Obtain consent
- Verify order
- Prepare equipment
- Educate family
Procedure steps
- Verify order and consent
- Confirm patient identity
- Check blood product
- Obtain baseline vitals
- Prime tubing with saline
- Start transfusion slowly
- Monitor closely
- Complete within timeframe
- Document transfusion
Precautions
- Verify compatibility
- Monitor for reactions
- Use appropriate filter
- Complete within 4 hours
Aftercare
- Monitor for delayed reactions
- Assess response
- Check post-transfusion labs
- Document outcome
Nursing considerations
- Calculate volume carefully
- Monitor closely in infants
- Be prepared for reactions
Patient education
- Explain purpose
- Discuss risks/benefits
- Teach signs of reactions
Documentation
- Blood product details
- Start/stop times
- Vital signs
- Any reactions
- Patient response
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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