How do you ensure proper infection control practices during blood transfusion in critical care?

Sample interview questions: How do you ensure proper infection control practices during blood transfusion in critical care?

Sample answer:

Ensuring proper infection control practices during blood transfusion in critical care is of utmost importance to prevent the transmission of infections and maintain patient safety. As a Critical Care Nurse, there are several steps and considerations that I would take to ensure infection control during this procedure.

1. Pre-transfusion Preparation:
2. Verify the blood product and ensure it matches the patient’s identity, blood type, and any other specific requirements.
3. Ensure that the blood product is properly stored and maintained at the appropriate temperature.

4. Perform hand hygiene and don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gown, and mask.

5. Patient Assessment:

6. Assess the patient’s vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, to establish a baseline before the transfusion.
7. Evaluate the patient’s overall clinical condition, including any signs or symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, or localized inflammation.
8. Assess the patient’s medical history, previous transfusion reactions, and any known allergies to blood products or transfusion-related complications.

9. Assess the patient’s intravenous access site and ensure it is appropriate for transfusion.

10. Infection Prevention Measures:

11. Cleanse the patient’s skin at the transfusion site with an appropriate antiseptic solution before initiating the transfusion.
12. Use a sterile, single-use transfusion set and blood administration equipment to prevent contamination.
13. Follow aseptic technique while accessing the blood bag and connecting it to the administration set.
14. Ensure the transfusion set is primed with normal saline before connecting it to the patient’s intravenous line to prevent air embolism.
15. Utilize a blood filter during transfusion to trap any potential clots or debris that may be present.

16. Monitor the patient closely during … Read full answer

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