What must be done to prevent errors in blood transfusion?

To prevent errors in blood transfusion, it is critical to implement three specific checks, including verifying the patient's identity. This procedure is established to ensure the correct blood product is matched with the right patient, thereby minimizing the risk of transfusion reactions and grave medical errors.

The specific checks generally involve confirming the patient’s identity using two unique identifiers, such as the patient's name and date of birth, along with cross-checking the blood product’s information against the patient’s records prior to transfusion. This comprehensive verification process adds an essential layer of safety by ensuring that the blood type, compatibility, and product details all align accurately with the patient's needs.

The other options do not encompass the necessary safeguards. For instance, checking only the blood product disregards the vital aspect of confirming patient identity. Similarly, limiting reviews to just before entering the operating room ignores ongoing responsibilities for ensuring safety in blood administration. Lastly, relying on a single nurse's verification can lead to oversights; a collaborative approach involving multiple health care professionals is key to achieving a more reliable verification system.