What should be assessed prior to administering a blood transfusion?

Assessing the patient's blood type and compatibility with the donor blood is crucial prior to administering a blood transfusion because it prevents potentially life-threatening reactions. Each individual's blood type is determined by specific antigens present on the surface of their red blood cells. If a patient receives blood that is not compatible with their blood type, their immune system may recognize the foreign blood cells as a threat and mount an immune response against them. This can lead to hemolytic reactions that can cause serious complications, including acute kidney injury, shock, or even death.

In addition to confirming the patient's blood type, compatibility testing such as crossmatching is performed to ensure that the patient can safely receive the transfusion. This ensures the safety and effectiveness of the blood transfusion, highlighting the critical nature of this assessment in patient care.