Keywords

acute hemolytic transfusion reactions, allergic transfusion reactions, delayed hemolytic reactions, febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions, posttransfusion purpura, TACO, transfusion-associated circulatory overload, transfusion-associated graft versus host disease, TRALI, transfusion-related acute lung injury, TRIM, transfusion-related immunomodulation, transfusion therapy

Authors

1. Carman, Margaret DNP, ACNP-BC, ENP-BC, FAEN
2. Uhlenbrock, Jennifer Schieferle DNP, MBA, RN, TCRN
3. McClintock, Sara Marie MSN, AG-ACNP-BC

Abstract

In the United States, roughly 4.5 million patients per year receive transfusions of various blood products. Despite the lifesaving benefits of transfusion therapy, it is an independent risk factor for infection, morbidity, and death in critically ill patients. It's important for nurses to understand the potential complications patients face when blood products are administered and to recognize that patients who have received blood products in the past remain at risk for delayed reactions, including immune compromise and infection. Here, the authors review the blood products that are commonly transfused; discuss potential complications of transfusion, as well as their associated signs and symptoms; and outline current recommendations for transfusion therapy that are widely supported in the medical and nursing literature.