limited BPs in thrombocytopenic recipients

[Mabel Adams]

Apparently our oncology floor is not performing BP with the other vitals during transfusion of severely thrombocytopenic patients. I believe they do them some of the time but not pre-, 15 min, 45 min, hourly thereafter and at completion, which is the hospital's standard protocol. I guess I can see their concern regarding bruising in the thrombocytopenic patient. What is the minimum frequency for BPs during transfusion? Does anyone else know of a special protocol for patients with no plts?

[BSIPHERD]

We require vitals to be documented on our transfusion record pre transfusion, at 15 minutes, post transfusion and 90 min post transfusion. We have had no more problems with lack on vitals (including BP) on severly thrombocytopenic patients than with other patients.