What is the most critical piece of information a nurse should obtain before administering a unit of packed RBCs?

When preparing to administer a unit of packed red blood cells (RBCs), obtaining the patient's temperature is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, the patient's temperature helps assess for the presence of a fever, which could indicate an underlying infection or an adverse reaction to the transfusion. Administering blood products in patients with elevated temperatures can heighten the risk of febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions, which are among the most common reactions to blood transfusions.

Additionally, knowing the temperature allows the nurse to monitor for any significant changes that may occur during the transfusion. It's essential to establish a baseline temperature as part of the pre-transfusion assessments so that any increase can be promptly identified and addressed.

While hemoglobin level is indeed important in determining the appropriateness of a blood transfusion, it is typically assessed as part of the overall evaluation of the patient’s condition prior to the transfusion. Fluid intake status can also be relevant, but it does not directly influence immediate care with regards to the transfusion itself. Skin color has limited relevance in this context compared to the physiological parameters indicated, such as temperature. Therefore, the focus on temperature is essential in ensuring patient safety during the transfusion process.