An identifier mismatch before outreach transfusion
RN OSCE practice station

The task

You are the RN in a community nursing service. Peter Novak, aged 74, is in a hospital-run community day infusion unit for a prescribed red cell pack. Two RNs are present and blood has not been connected. Check readiness and patient-component identification and explain your decision. Complete the supplied practice record. A second RN is available. You have eight minutes; describe and select physical actions in this online exercise.

What this station tests

• Peter’s one-year DOB discrepancy means no transfusion, even when other identifiers match.
• Never correct a blood-component label at the bedside.
• Return the unconnected pack promptly through the transfusion service.
• After authorised resolution, repeat both independent bedside checks.

Sources for the clinical content

• Australian Red Cross Lifeblood: Administration
• Australian Red Cross Lifeblood: Transfusion process
• ACSQHC: Making informed choices (informed consent)
• ACSQHC: Communicating for Safety Standard

An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.

Practise next

• Preparing to start a red cell transfusion
• Rigors and hypotension during red cells
• A patient withdraws consent before transfusion
• Breathlessness during a red cell transfusion
• Preparing red cells for Peter Lawson