What should be done if a patient has a reaction to blood?

When a patient has a reaction to blood, the most appropriate action is to stop the infusion immediately, notify the physician or appropriate healthcare provider, and document the details of the reaction. Stopping the transfusion helps prevent further complications and minimizes the risk of additional harm to the patient. Notifying the healthcare provider ensures that the patient receives the necessary medical attention and interventions are initiated to manage the reaction effectively.

Documentation is critical in these situations as it creates a record of the patient's response, the timing of the reaction, and any actions taken. This information is vital for ongoing patient care and may assist in understanding the patient's overall response to treatment.

Continuing the transfusion or merely recording a note and waiting for the doctor undermines the patient’s safety and may lead to severe consequences. Informing the family is essential, but it does not replace the immediate clinical responsibilities in response to a blood reaction.