A home health nurse is assessing the home environment of an older adult client who has osteoporosis. For which of the following findings should the nurse intervene?

A. Check that the client has a small gauge IV catheter in place.

Blood transfusions require a large-bore IV catheter (18-20 gauge) to prevent hemolysis and ensure efficient infusion. A small gauge IV (such as 22-24G) is not appropriate for PRBCs as it can slow the infusion and damage red blood cells.

B. Check the blood product's compatibility with the client's blood type: Before administering packed red blood cells (PRBCs), the nurse must verify blood compatibility to prevent a hemolytic transfusion reaction, which can be life-threatening.

C. Prime the client's primary IV tubing with lactated Ringer’s.

Only normal saline (0.9% NaCl) should be used to prime the IV tubing for a blood transfusion. Lactated Ringer’s and dextrose solutions can cause hemolysis and clotting of the blood product.

D. Confirm the identity of the client with the blood bank technician.While verifying the blood product is critical, the nurse should confirm the client’s identity at the bedside with another licensed nurse, not the blood bank technician. This ensures that the right blood is given to the right client following facility protocols.

A. Place the sterile field at the level of the nurse's hips:

This is incorrect. The sterile field should be placed at a waist or chest level to maintain its sterility. Placing it at the level of the nurse's hips increases the risk of contamination from airborne particles, clothing, or unsterile surfaces.

B. Pour liquids into containers outside the sterile field:

This is incorrect. Pouring liquids into containers outside the sterile field may lead to contamination. All actions involving sterile items should be performed within the sterile field to maintain its integrity and prevent the introduction of microorganisms.

C. Hold bottles of sterile solution with the label in the palm of the hand:

Hold bottles of sterile solution with the label in the palm of the hand:This is correct. This prevents label from becoming wet and illegible.

D. Open the outermost flap of the sterile kit toward the body:

Open the outermost flap of the sterile kit toward the body:This is incorrect. When opening a sterile kit, the nurse should open the outermost flap first and away from the body. This minimizes the risk of reaching over the sterile field, reducing the chance of accidental contamination.