title: Postoperative orthopedic autotransfusion. Successful management for the total knee arthroplasty patient.
abstract: Orthopedic autotransfusion is an effective technique that should be available to patients having total knee arthroplasty. Patient safety, however, must not be compromised simply because the blood is autologous. Blood products, in any form, require close observation and careful administration. The best results are achieved when the physician and all nursing departments involved have comprehensive knowledge of the system and the guidelines for its safe use.
authors.affiliation: St Joseph's Hospital, Minot, ND.
authors.forename: V L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Carstens
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Earnshaw
mesh_terms: D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000451:nursing; D009871:Operating Room Nursing; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011184:Postoperative Period