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Biomedical subjects

R Rutman

Publications and source records attributed to R Rutman.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1988

Transfusion therapy in emergency medicine.

Volume replacement is critical to the resuscitation of the hemorrhaging patient, but this usually can be accomplished quickly and safely with crystalloid and/or colloid solutions. Red cells should be used in addition to asanguinous fluids in the treatment of tissue hypoxia due to anemia. The need for whole blood as opposed to packed red blood cells is controversial. However, plasma should not be used as a volume expander, and its use to supplement coagulation factors during the massive transfusion of red cells should be guided by laboratory tests that document a coagulopathy. Similarly, platelet transfusions are indicated to correct documented thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction, and routine prophylaxis after fixed volumes of red cells results is unwarranted. Many anticipated complications of massive transfusions, including hemostatic abnormalities, acid-base imbalances, hyperkalemia, and hypocalcemia, are uncommon or of limited clinical significance. The risks of immune hemolysis and transfusion-transmitted diseases, on the other hand, are significant, and argue for judicious use of blood components. In emergencies in which blood is required immediately before compatibility testing can be completed, O-negative uncrossmatched blood can be requested. Careful blood specimen collection and patient identification prior to transfusion are critical. Practices that emphasize blood conservation, including the use of autologous salvaged blood, are always to the patient's advantage.

Blood Grouping and Crossmatching↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Utilization of nursing teams in the collection of blood.

The practice of nursing is group oriented. This was recognized in the past, but has only recently gained full acknowledgment by nursing managment. The concept of team assignment for the nursing staff was implemented in the blood program several years ago. The problems of the professional nurse in blood banking are not the same as in an acute or an extended care facility. Team assignments can improve both the delivery of care and the efficiency of the operation in the blood program. This paper describes many of the problems incurred under the system of conventional staffing and will show how these problems can be either eliminated or modified through the use of team assignment. Two centers experienced with permanent team assignments report these conclusions.

Blood Specimen Collection↗