A client receiving a blood transfusion suddenly develops chills, fever, and lower back pain. The nurse suspects a transfusion reaction. What is the nurse's priority action?
Stop the blood transfusion immediately.
Notify the blood bank to request a new blood unit.
Administer antipyretics to manage the client's fever.
Place the client in a supine position with legs elevated.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Stopping the blood transfusion immediately is the nurse's priority action if a transfusion reaction is suspected. This helps prevent further infusion of the potentially incompatible or problematic blood product.
B) Notifying the blood bank is essential to report the suspected transfusion reaction and to facilitate investigation and documentation. However, stopping the transfusion is the first step.
C) Administering antipyretics may help manage the client's fever, but it is not the nurse's priority action when a transfusion reaction is suspected.
D) Placing the client in a supine position with legs elevated is not a priority action when a transfusion reaction is suspected. The priority is to stop the transfusion and assess the client's vital signs and symptoms.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A: Notifying the healthcare provider is an important step, but it is not the immediate priority. The nurse's first action should be to address the adverse reaction to prevent further harm to the client.
B: While administering antipyretics may help lower the client's fever, it does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms, which is the transfusion reaction. The priority is to stop the reaction from progressing.
C: Preparing to administer a diuretic would be appropriate if fluid overload was the primary concern. However, in the case of a transfusion reaction, the priority is to stop the transfusion to halt the reaction.
D: Discontinuing the blood transfusion immediately is the priority action because it stops the exposure to the blood product that is causing the reaction. Once the transfusion is stopped, further interventions can be assessed and implemented.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect: A mild headache is a common and expected side effect of a blood transfusion and may not require immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.
B) Correct: A slightly elevated temperature in a client who received a blood transfusion 2 hours ago could indicate a delayed transfusion reaction. The nurse should report this finding to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.
C) Incorrect: Pale and cool skin may be an expected finding in a client who received a blood transfusion, especially if they experienced a rapid transfusion or had a reaction. However, it is not the priority finding to report.
D) Incorrect: Generalized muscle weakness may occur for various reasons and may not be directly related to a delayed transfusion reaction. The nurse should prioritize reporting the slightly elevated temperature.
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