Med-surg. Unit of packed red blood cells started 15 min ago.
Now chills, fever, and new low back pain. "Something feels wrong."
Baseline before the transfusion: T 37.0C, HR 84, BP 124/76.
◀ All casesCase 4 of 8
Case 4 · Transfusion reaction
15 Minutes In
Bedside monitorLive
TEMP39.2°C
HR124
BP88/52
SpO295%
What do you do?
Answer: B) Stop the transfusion immediately
STOP the transfusion immediately. Stay with the patient.
Keep the IV open with normal saline on NEW tubing. Notify the provider and blood bank. Send the bag and tubing back, monitor vitals and urine output.
WHY: Fever, back pain, and hypotension early in a transfusion suggest an acute hemolytic reaction. Every extra mL makes it worse.
RememberSuspect a reaction? Stop the blood first.