A charge nurse is precepting a newly licensed nurse who is to administer a transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBC) to a client who has anemia. Which of the following actions by the new nurse should cause the charge nurse to intervene in this client's care immediately?

A. The nurse stays with the client for 15 minutes after beginning the transfusion:

This action is appropriate as it ensures the nurse monitors the client closely for any immediate adverse reactions during the initial phase of the transfusion.

B. The nurse primes the blood tubing with lactated Ringer's solution:

This action is incorrect and potentially dangerous. Blood tubing should be primed with normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) solution, not lactated Ringer's solution, to prevent potential adverse reactions or hemolysis of the blood products.

C. The nurse starts the infusion at a slow rate for the first 15 minutes:

This action is appropriate as it allows for the initial assessment of the client's tolerance to the transfusion and reduces the risk of adverse reactions.

D. The nurse witnesses the client sign the consent form for the blood transfusion:

This action is appropriate and ensures that the client has provided informed consent for the procedure.

A. Folic acid deficiency anemia:

Folic acid deficiency anemia is characterized by a lack of folate (vitamin B9), which is essential for red blood cell production. Symptoms can include weakness and fatigue, similar to iron-deficiency anemia. However, folic acid deficiency anemia typically does not cause heavy menstrual periods. Laboratory findings may show a low level of folate in the blood, but the hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL and hematocrit level of 28 g/dL alone do not specifically indicate folic acid deficiency anemia without considering other factors like mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and red blood cell indices.

B. Pernicious anemia:

Pernicious anemia is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor, a substance needed for the absorption of vitamin B12. It can lead to symptoms such as weakness and fatigue. However, heavy menstrual periods are not a characteristic feature of pernicious anemia. Laboratory findings may show a low hemoglobin and hematocrit level, but again, other factors such as MCV and vitamin B12 levels would be needed to confirm this type of anemia.

C. Iron-deficiency anemia:

Iron-deficiency anemia occurs due to insufficient iron stores in the body, leading to decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. This type of anemia is commonly associated with symptoms like weakness, fatigue, and heavy menstrual periods in women due to blood loss. The client's hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL and hematocrit level of 28 g/dL are consistent with iron-deficiency anemia, making this the most likely choice based on the information provided.

D. Sickle cell anemia:

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin that causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped and less flexible. It typically presents with symptoms such as anemia, pain crises, and organ damage. However, the client's symptoms of weakness, fatigue, and heavy menstrual periods are not specific to sickle cell anemia. Additionally, sickle cell anemia would have different laboratory findings, including a different pattern on peripheral blood smear and hemoglobin electrophoresis.