Convalescent plasma has emerged as a treatment that merits consideration for COVID-19–positive patients requiring hospitalization. With millions of cases of COVID-19 being reported worldwide, nurses across specialties are caring for infected patients and are often the primary patient educators about convalescent plasma treatment. Keeping abreast of current clinical guidelines and evidence-based practice allows nurses to identify patients who should be considered for treatment, understand the administration guidelines, and be aware of the toxicity profile to provide safe and high-quality care to patients. The purpose of this article is to provide information on convalescent plasma as a treatment for COVID-19.

AT A GLANCE

• Nurses can assist with early identification of patients who may be candidates to receive convalescent plasma.
• Convalescent plasma is not standard fresh frozen plasma; ABO typing is required, and nurses need to follow administration guidelines when the product is given.
• Nurses must review and provide to patients and caregivers the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s fact sheet on convalescent plasma, as well as serve as a patient education resource.