Describe The Steps A Nurse Should Take When Preparing To Adm

Describe The Steps A Nurse Should Take When Preparing To Administer

Describe the steps a nurse should take when preparing to administer a blood transfusion. A nurse manager is preparing for a performance appraisal review for an employee who has been identified as substandard. (a) Describe the process of conducting a performance appraisal review and (b) when disciplinary action is necessary. To effectively prioritize client needs during an interdisciplinary conference, what qualities by the team are required?

Paper For Above instruction

Preparing to administer a blood transfusion is a critical process that demands meticulous attention to ensure patient safety and efficacy of the procedure. The initial step involves verifying the physician’s order, which should specify the blood product, dosage, and administration rate. Next, the nurse must gather and check all necessary equipment, including the blood product, IV tubing, solution, gloves, and infusion pump if applicable. Properly identifying the patient using two identifiers such as name and date of birth is crucial to prevent mismatching. The nurse should also confirm that the blood product is compatible with the patient’s blood type through cross-matching records and label verification.

Following verification, the nurse performs a physical assessment to evaluate the patient's current condition, noting any signs of allergy or transfusion reactions. The nurse then educates the patient about the procedure, addressing potential risks, symptoms of adverse reactions, and the importance of reporting any discomfort immediately. Prior to initiation, the nurse completes a second verification, often called "read-back," with a colleague or supervisor, ensuring accuracy in blood product and patient matching.

Once all checks are complete, the nurse prepares the infusion site, typically an aseptic technique is used to clean the venipuncture site. The blood product is then spiked into the IV line, and the infusion is started at the prescribed rate. Throughout the procedure, the nurse monitors the patient closely for signs of transfusion reactions such as fever, chills, or rash. Documentation of the procedure, including start time, type of blood product, patient response, and any observations, is essential.

In conducting a performance appraisal review for an employee who has been identified as substandard, the process involves several key steps. Initially, the nurse manager should gather comprehensive performance data, including direct observations, patient feedback, and peer reviews, to establish a clear understanding of the employee’s performance issues. The review should be scheduled in a private, neutral setting to foster open communication. During the appraisal, the manager should provide specific examples of performance concerns, emphasizing both areas of deficiency and strengths to promote constructive feedback.

The manager should involve the employee in a dialogue, encouraging self-assessment and setting mutually agreed-upon goals for improvement. Supportive strategies, such as additional training or mentoring, should be discussed as part of performance development plans. Clear expectations regarding performance standards and timelines for follow-up are vital to facilitate improvement.

Disciplinary action becomes necessary when performance issues persist despite feedback and support or when misconduct occurs. It is essential for the manager to adhere to organizational policies, ensuring that disciplinary procedures are fair, consistent, and well-documented. Disciplinary measures may escalate from verbal warnings to written warnings, suspension, or termination, depending on the severity and recurrence of the issues. Proper documentation of all discussions, actions taken, and employee responses is crucial to uphold legal and organizational standards.

Effective interdisciplinary team functioning relies on specific qualities among team members to prioritize client needs. These qualities include excellent communication skills, allowing for clear and timely information exchange; mutual respect, fostering a collaborative environment; and openness to diverse perspectives, which enhances problem-solving and decision-making. Critical thinking and clinical judgment are essential to assess client needs accurately and prioritize interventions accordingly.

Additionally, accountability and a patient-centered focus ensure that team members are committed to delivering quality care responsive to client priorities. Flexibility and adaptability enable teams to respond effectively to changing patient conditions and emergencies. The ability to collaborate and demonstrate emotional intelligence supports cohesive teamwork, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Collectively, these qualities form the foundation for effective interdisciplinary collaboration and optimal prioritization of client needs during conferences.

References

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• World Health Organization. (2010). Medical Management of Blood Transfusions. WHO Press.
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• National Quality Forum. (2016). National standards for safe blood transfusions. NQF.
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