When the nurse receives a blood product from the blood bank, what must she check?

• A. ABO compatibility
• B. Blood group RH compatibility
• C. Patient name
• D. Expiration date

Answer: (B)

Verifying compatibility between the transfused unit and the patient is essential to prevent a transfusion reaction. At the bedside, the most critical compatibility check is the Rh type. The blood bank already ensures ABO compatibility through crossmatching, so the key safety step you perform when the unit arrives is confirming that the Rh factor matches the patient’s status. If an Rh-negative patient were given Rh-positive blood, there’s a risk of alloimmunization and potential hemolytic reactions, especially with repeated exposures. While confirming the patient’s name and the product’s expiration date are important for correct identification and safety, the specific check that prevents an acute Rh-related transfusion reaction is ensuring the Rh compatibility of the unit with the recipient.