Why is it important to double-check blood before administration during surgery?

It is crucial to double-check blood before administration during surgery primarily to ensure that the blood matches the patient's blood type. This process is vital for patient safety, as incompatible blood transfusions can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening reactions. When blood from a donor is transfused into a patient, the immune system reacts to any mismatched antigens present in the transfused blood, which can cause hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), fever, shock, and even death.

Ensuring blood compatibility is a fundamental part of transfusion medicine, and it involves careful verification of blood type and cross-matching procedures. By double-checking, the surgical team minimizes risks associated with blood transfusions, underscoring the importance of verifying both the patient’s and the blood product’s details before the transfusion process begins. This practice is foundational in providing safe perioperative care and is a critical aspect of the nursing and medical protocols that guide perioperative practices.