British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
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Although transfusion of blood and blood products is often of life-saving benefit for the many patients who receive transfusions every year, it is not without considerable risk. Nurses need to be aware of these risks so that they can respond to patient anxiety about transfusion. ⋯ Other significant adverse effects will be discussed briefly. Recent initiative aimed at monitoring the incidence of these adverse effects and increasing the safety of blood transfusion will be discussed, with special emphasis on the nurse's role in the transfusion process.