What is a crucial practice when preparing to administer blood products?

Taking vitals immediately before starting blood administration and again at 15 minutes is an essential practice because it allows for the monitoring of the patient’s response to the transfusion. Checking vital signs establishes a baseline before the blood products are administered, ensuring that any changes in the patient's condition can be detected early. The 15-minute mark is a critical point to assess for any acute reactions, such as fever or changes in heart rate, which may occur shortly after initiating the transfusion. This practice of monitoring enhances patient safety and helps in promptly addressing any adverse reactions that may arise.

Maintaining proper protocols around checks and balances, such as verifying blood type and patient identity, is significant, but the specific monitoring of vitals is crucial for immediate safety. While using a 20 gauge needle is important for ensuring proper flow rates and minimizing damage to blood cells, it does not directly relate to the immediate assessment of patient condition during transfusion. Administering blood with lactated ringers solution can be contraindicated as it may cause complications during blood transfusions, making it less relevant compared to the critical nature of monitoring vital signs.