Final answer:
A CPCT must report changes in vital signs such as fever, abnormal heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure during a blood transfusion, as they may indicate serious complications. Emergency blood transfusions use type O blood to prevent reactions. Signs of a hemolytic transfusion reaction must be reported urgently.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) should be vigilant in reporting any significant changes in vital signs during a blood transfusion. Key signs that are cause for immediate concern include a body temperature significantly higher than 37 °C (98.6 °F) indicating a fever, a heart rate outside the normal range of 60-100 beats per minute, a breathing rate that is not within the normal 12-18 breaths per minute, and blood pressure that deviates significantly from the normal range of 90/60 to 120/80 mm Hg. These changes may suggest complications such as transfusion reactions or circulatory shock, a condition where urgent medical intervention is necessary.
If a patient requires a blood transfusion after a severe trauma and there is no time to determine their blood type, type O blood is given because it is considered the universal donor and is least likely to cause a hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR). In a hemovigilance system, it's critical to minimize the risk of HTRs, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, any signs indicating a potential HTR must be reported immediately to ensure prompt and appropriate clinical response.