After the transfusion has started, how long should you stay with the patient?

After the transfusion has started, how long should you stay with the patient?

• A. 5 minutes
• B. 15 minutes
• C. 30 minutes
• D. 10 minutes

Answer: (B)

The first part of a blood transfusion is when reactions are most likely to show up, so you stay with the patient for the first 15 minutes. This period is when acute transfusion reactions—such as fever, chills, itching, trouble breathing, or changes in vital signs—often begin. Being at the bedside allows you to assess signs quickly and stop the transfusion if any reaction occurs, keep the line open with IV fluids as ordered, and notify the clinician right away. After this initial window, you continue to monitor per facility policy, but the critical safety check is during those first 15 minutes.

The first part of a blood transfusion is when reactions are most likely to show up, so you stay with the patient for the first 15 minutes. This period is when acute transfusion reactions—such as fever, chills, itching, trouble breathing, or changes in vital signs—often begin. Being at the bedside allows you to assess signs quickly and stop the transfusion if any reaction occurs, keep the line open with IV fluids as ordered, and notify the clinician right away. After this initial window, you continue to monitor per facility policy, but the critical safety check is during those first 15 minutes.