What is the routine for vital sign measurement during a blood transfusion?

The routine for vital sign measurement during a blood transfusion is critical for monitoring the patient’s response and identifying any potential adverse reactions. The chosen answer outlines a comprehensive approach: vital signs should be taken once before administration, then every 15 minutes for the first two readings after the transfusion starts, followed by an additional reading one hour after the transfusion has stopped.

The rationale behind measuring vital signs this way is primarily to ensure the patient is not experiencing any negative reactions, such as fever or changes in blood pressure, which can occur during or shortly after the blood transfusion. Taking vitals before administration establishes a baseline, while the subsequent measurements, particularly in the first 30 minutes, are crucial since most transfusion reactions occur during this time frame. Finally, checking vital signs one hour post-transfusion helps to confirm the patient has stabilized after the procedure.

This systematic approach to monitoring is consistent with best practices in transfusion medicine, focusing on the safety and health of the patient during a potentially high-risk procedure.