What action should a nurse take prior to administering fresh frozen plasma?

Prior to administering fresh frozen plasma (FFP), confirming plasma compatibility with another nurse is crucial to ensure patient safety. FFP must be matched to the recipient’s blood type, similar to other blood products, to prevent transfusion reactions. This verification process serves as a double-check to reduce the risk of errors, thereby enhancing patient safety and minimizing the potential for complications associated with incompatible transfusions. By involving another nurse in this verification, it also promotes teamwork and adherence to transfusion protocols, which is an essential best practice in the nursing field.

Checking for blood type compatibility is certainly important but may not reflect the overall safety protocols required specifically for FFP administration. Reviewing liver function tests provides important background information regarding a patient’s overall health and liver capability but does not directly relate to the safety of FFP administration. Initiating a continuous IV infusion is part of preparing for many IV medications or transfusions but is not the first action that addresses compatibility and safety concerns specifically related to FFP.