Final answer:
A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can monitor blood transfusions under direct supervision of a registered nurse, ensuring the procedure is done safely and includes measuring vital signs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Can an LPN Monitor Blood Transfusion?
Yes, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) can monitor the transfusion of blood products but under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. In the healthcare team, LPNs often focus on providing specific treatments like dialysis and may assist in monitoring responsibilities that include taking and reporting patient's vital signs. Proper monitoring of blood transfusions is critical, as blood chemistry is complex, and errors can lead to serious complications such as hemolytic transfusion reactions (HTRs). Hospitals employ hemovigilance systems to track and ensure the safe transfusion of blood, minimizing HTR risks.
The role of the LPN in the transfusion process involves ensuring that the transfusion is performed properly and safely. This correlates with the work of blood bank technology specialists and phlebotomists, who are focused on collecting and testing blood to determine its type and suitability for transfusion. In emergencies where there's no time to type a patient's blood, the universal donor blood type, O negative, is typically used to prevent issues associated with ABO incompatibility.