Massive Transfusion Problem Solving Questions

Last updated over 4 years ago

3 questions

A 30-year-old female construction worker fell 40 feet from scaffolding while welding a beam. She had apparent internal bleeding and a cervical spine fracture.
Blood Type: AB-negative (historical results on file x2 live births)
Order: 4 units of emergency release RBCs STAT; have 4 units on hold at all times.
Blood specimen is on the way to the Transfusion Services from the Trauma Room. The available reserve red blood cell inventory is:
AB-positive – 4
O-negative – 4
O-positive – 6
B-negative – 3
A-positive – 8
A-negative – 3
The nearest donor center is 50 miles away.

Massive Transfusion Problem Solving Questions

What is your FIRST choice for transfusing this patient the four units of emergency release blood?

Once compatibility testing is complete, which units would you choose to issue next?

Define acidosis, coagulopathy, and hypothermia and relate the "lethal triad" to massive transfusion.