- Complications Of Blood Administration

 

Hyperkalemia:

   
   

This happens because potassium ions within RBCs leave the cells.  Said to be at a rate of about 1 mEq/day in stored blood. Obviously, withhold any routine K+ if needed, though any Lasix given should cancel this effect out if your patient's kidneys are working right.

 

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Copyright 2009, Samos Alixopulos, ICU RN