A client is being treated in the ICU after a medical error resulted in an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. What was the etiology of this client's adverse reaction?

A. "I have a difficult time falling asleep at night":

Difficulty falling asleep at night is not typically a direct symptom of iron-deficiency anemia. While anemia can lead to fatigue and general tiredness, which might affect sleep quality, insomnia or difficulty falling asleep may have various causes unrelated to anemia. These causes can include stress, anxiety, poor sleep hygiene, or other underlying medical conditions.

B. "I have an increase in my appetite":

This choice is not directly related to iron-deficiency anemia. While some individuals with anemia may experience changes in appetite, such as increased hunger, this symptom is not specific to iron-deficiency anemia alone. An increase in appetite can have various causes, including hormonal changes, dietary changes, medications, or psychological factors.

C. "I have difficulty breathing when walking 30 feet":

This choice is the correct answer. Difficulty breathing, especially during exertion like walking, is a hallmark symptom of iron-deficiency anemia. Anemia reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, which can result in shortness of breath, fatigue, and difficulty with physical activities.

D. "I feel hot all of the time":

Feeling hot all the time is not a specific symptom of iron-deficiency anemia. While anemia can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath, it does not directly lead to a constant feeling of heat or warmth throughout the body. Feeling hot or experiencing excessive sweating could be due to other factors such as hormonal changes, fever, hyperthyroidism, or environmental conditions.

A. RR Interval:

The RR interval is the time between two consecutive R waves on an electrocardiogram (ECG) strip. It is primarily used to determine the ventricular rate and rhythm of the heart. A regular RR interval suggests a regular heart rhythm, while irregular intervals may indicate arrhythmias or other cardiac abnormalities. Calculating the RR interval can help determine the heart rate (ventricular rate) by dividing 60 seconds by the RR interval in seconds (e.g., if the RR interval is 0.8 seconds, the heart rate would be approximately 75 beats per minute).

B. QT Interval:

The QT interval represents the time from the start of the Q wave to the end of the T wave on an ECG. It reflects the time it takes for the ventricles to depolarize and repolarize. Prolongation or shortening of the QT interval can indicate certain cardiac conditions or medication effects, including an increased risk of arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes. However, it is not directly used to determine ventricular rate and rhythm as the RR interval is.

C. PP Interval:

The PP interval is the time between two consecutive P waves on an ECG strip. It is primarily used to assess the atrial rate and rhythm. Regular PP intervals indicate a regular atrial rhythm, while irregular intervals may suggest atrial arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. The PP interval is not directly used to determine ventricular rate and rhythm.

D. PR Interval:

The PR interval is the time from the start of the P wave to the start of the QRS complex on an ECG strip. It represents the time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles. A normal PR interval is typically between 0.12 to 0.20 seconds. Prolongation or shortening of the PR interval can indicate certain cardiac conduction abnormalities.