Which processes should a nurse plan for during a blood transfusion?

In the context of nursing responsibilities during a blood transfusion, priming the blood tubing with dextrose 5% in water is not an appropriate practice. The correct procedure involves priming the blood transfusion set with normal saline rather than dextrose. This is because dextrose can cause hemolysis of red blood cells, potentially leading to serious complications.

When assessing the planning processes during a transfusion, it is essential to focus on ensuring the safety and efficacy of the transfusion. Checking vital signs before the transfusion is crucial for establishing a baseline and monitoring any potential reactions during the procedure. Inserting an IV with an appropriate gauge needle — typically at least an 18-gauge — is necessary to facilitate the safe and rapid administration of the blood product. Additionally, checking the expiration date of the blood product with a second nurse aligns with the principle of safety by confirming that the blood is still viable for use.

Each of these actions is critical in preventing complications from transfusions and ensuring patient safety, but priming the blood tubing with dextrose deviates from established medical guidelines.