Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge of Blood Transfusion Procedures at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State

Background: Blood transfusion reactions, though preventable, represent a significant source of patient morbidity and mortality in Nigerian hospitals. Nurses play a central role in safe transfusion administration and monitoring. Aim: This study assessed nurses' knowledge of blood transfusion procedures at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey recruited 100 registered nurses through stratified random sampling from haematology, surgical, and obstetric units. A validated 30-item knowledge questionnaire was administered. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were used in data analysis. Results: Sixty-four percent of respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge of pre-transfusion checks, while knowledge of transfusion reaction recognition and management was adequate in only 44%. Nurses in haematology units outperformed their counterparts in other wards. Participation in blood safety training was significantly associated with knowledge levels. Conclusion: Knowledge gaps in transfusion reaction management represent a critical patient safety concern. Findings underscore the need for regular transfusion medicine training, bedside monitoring protocols, and institutional blood safety committees in all Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Keywords: blood transfusion, nursing knowledge, patient safety, Jos, transfusion reactions.