A nurse is preparing to administer a platelet transfusion to a client with severe thrombocytopenia. The nurse should:
A.
Infuse the platelets slowly over 4 hours.
B.
Use a standard IV infusion set for administration.
C.
Verify compatibility with the client’s blood type.
D.
Warm the platelets to room temperature before infusion.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Verify compatibility with the client’s blood type.
Explanation:
When administering a platelet transfusion, it is crucial to ensure compatibility between the donor platelets and the recipient’s blood type. This is essential because transfusing incompatible blood can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening transfusion reactions. Platelets are usually obtained from healthy donors and can be either pooled from multiple donors or collected from a single donor via apheresis.
A. Infuse the platelets slowly over 4 hours.
This option is incorrect. Platelet transfusions are typically administered over a much shorter period, usually 30 minutes to 1 hour. Infusing them too slowly can reduce their effectiveness, as platelets are more prone to clumping if they are not delivered quickly.
B. Use a standard IV infusion set for administration.
This choice is not appropriate. While standard IV sets can be used for platelet transfusions, it is recommended to use a blood administration set specifically designed for blood products, which includes a filter to prevent the administration of clumped platelets or debris.
D. Warm the platelets to room temperature before infusion.
This option is also incorrect. Platelets should not be warmed before transfusion. They are typically stored at room temperature during transportation and should be transfused as soon as possible. Warming them can lead to a decrease in platelet viability and function.
In summary, the most critical step in administering a platelet transfusion is verifying compatibility with the client’s blood type to prevent adverse reactions. This process ensures patient safety and the efficacy of the transfusion, which is especially important for clients with severe thrombocytopenia, who are at a higher risk for bleeding complications.