Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What is essential for ensuring that the blood collected during surgery can be safely transfused back to the patient?

1. It must be mixed with plasma

2. It should be collected in a sterile environment

3. It needs to be cross-matched

4. All of the above are important

The correct answer is: It should be collected in a sterile environment

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of collecting blood in a sterile environment to prevent contamination, which could lead to serious infections when the blood is transfused back to the patient. Maintaining a sterile environment is crucial during surgeries to reduce the risk of bacteria or other pathogens entering the bloodstream. When blood is collected during surgery for potential transfusion, the equipment, technique, and environment must be sterile to ensure that the returned blood poses no additional health risks. While the other factors like mixing with plasma and ensuring blood is cross-matched also play significant roles in safe transfusion practices, the focus on a sterile collection environment is foundational. Blood that is not collected in a sterile manner could compromise patient safety regardless of other factors, making it absolutely critical to prioritize sterility in the collection process.