The transfusional therapy process in the neonatal intensive therapy unit: The nurse’s knowledge

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the knowledge of nurses from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit regarding the transfusion therapy process. Method: descriptive, exploratory, qualitative study carried out in the second half of 2014 in two hospitals in the city of Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais (Brazil), 35 nurses were interviewed. The data were submitted to thematic content analysis. Results: the thematic categories pre-transfusion process for newborns \and its connection to care obtained two subcategories: Contextualizing the practice in the indication for transfusion and in the blood compatibility exams; and Nursing care for the newborn before the transfusion procedure. Nurses cited the importance of blood bag verification, obtaining peripheral venous access, and avoiding the administration of antibiotics at the time of infusion. Conclusion: it was verified that nurses are aware of the pre-transfusion process, although some important steps in the care process have not been mentioned, showing the need for improved training of these professionals in the care related to transfusion therapy.