During blood transfusion, how often should vital signs be checked?

In the context of blood transfusions, monitoring vital signs is crucial to ensure patient safety and to detect any potential transfusion reactions promptly. Checking vital signs every 30 minutes to one hour is appropriate because it allows for the observation of any changes that may occur in that timeframe, particularly during the initial stages of the transfusion when the risk of reactions is highest.

This time interval is important for several reasons. First, many transfusion reactions, such as febrile non-hemolytic reactions or anaphylactic reactions, can happen soon after the transfusion begins. Regular checks provide a way to monitor for symptoms like fever, chills, or changes in heart rate and blood pressure. Furthermore, it allows for timely interventions if any adverse reactions occur, enhancing patient safety and responding to complications quickly.

Checking vital signs only once before the transfusion does not provide information about how the patient is tolerating the blood product as it is being infused. Similarly, monitoring every 15 minutes, while proactive, may not be necessary for the entire duration of the transfusion, especially when there isn't a change in condition. Checking only at the completion of the transfusion misses the opportunity to identify any reactions that may occur during the process.

Therefore, the practice of monitoring