When preparing to administer a transfusion to an older adult, which verification should be performed?

• A. Verify with an assistive personnel
• B. Verify the client's identity and blood compatibility with another licensed professional
• C. Verify only the patient’s order
• D. Verify with the surgical team

Answer: (B)

The safety step for starting a transfusion is a two-person verification of both patient identity and blood product compatibility. This means that two licensed professionals confirm that the patient’s identifiers (such as name and date of birth on the armband and chart) match the blood unit, and that the blood product’s type, crossmatch status, unit number, and expiry date align with the order. This dual check is essential to ensure the right patient receives the correct blood and that the product is compatible (ABO/Rh and other compatibility factors), which dramatically reduces the risk of transfusion reactions. Relying on just the order or involving non-licensed staff for the verification doesn’t provide the same safety net, and collaborating with the surgical team isn’t part of routine transfusion verification. In older adults, where physiological reserve is limited, getting this verification right is especially important to prevent potentially severe complications.