Final answer:
Before giving an IM, blood considerations include cross matching blood type, preventing hemolysis of red blood cells, and the availability of blood supply in the United States. Blood relatives are preferred as organ donors due to compatibility, and immunosuppression is used to prevent rejection in transplantation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before giving an intramuscular injection (IM), there are several blood considerations to keep in mind. First, cross matching to determine the patient's blood type is necessary before transfusing blood, unless the patient is experiencing immediate life-threatening hemorrhage, in which case type O blood may be transfused. Additionally, it is important to consider the osmolarity of the drug being administered intravenously to prevent hemolysis of red blood cells. Drugs are typically formulated in an isotonic solution with the blood to maintain osmolarity.
In terms of blood supply for blood transfusions, the availability of blood in the United States can be affected by factors such as the demand for blood transfusions, the number of blood donors, and the safety and effectiveness of artificial blood substitutes. Ongoing research is being conducted to develop safe and effective artificial blood that can be used in case of emergencies when type O blood may not be immediately available.
Blood relatives are preferred as organ donors because they are more likely to have a compatible blood and tissue type, reducing the risk of rejection after transplantation. Immunosuppression plays a crucial role in transplantation by suppressing the immune system of the organ recipient to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ.