title: Predeposit autologous blood for elective orthopaedic surgery.
abstract: Patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery may require blood transfusion both during and after surgery. The news media has made the transmissibility of blood-borne diseases well-known, undermining patient confidence in blood transfusion. Predeposit autologous blood is an excellent alternative for elective surgical procedure if the patient meets standard criteria. Nurses need to be aware of the different types of blood programs available in their community and can assist with patient education concerning blood donation, iron supplementation and dietary changes. Nurses can be important patient advocates for predeposit autologous blood programs.
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Brinkley
mesh_terms: D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D009985:Orthopedics; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D065227:Transfusion Reaction