Preparing to start a red cell transfusion
RN OSCE practice station
Blood transfusion · 2 min to read · 8 min to perform
A written station. Free to try, no sign-up.
The task
You are the RN on a hospital ward. Helen Murphy, aged 66, has a prescribed single red cell pack for symptomatic anaemia. The pack has arrived and the transfusion has not started. Perform pre-transfusion bedside checks, explain monitoring and record the planned start. Complete the supplied practice record. Speak to the patient and describe each assessment as you perform it. A second RN is available. You have eight minutes; describe and select physical actions in this online exercise.
What this station tests
- Helen’s consent must be current after her hearing and reaction concerns are addressed.
- Both nurses check independently at the bedside immediately before connection.
- The 09:50 removal from storage makes 13:50 the latest four-hour completion time.
- Record donation traceability and actual start, keeping a planned start distinct.
Sources for the clinical content
- Australian Red Cross Lifeblood: Transfusion process
- Australian Red Cross Lifeblood: Administration
- Australian Red Cross Lifeblood: Monitoring and observation
- ACSQHC: Communicating for Safety Standard
An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.