A home health nurse is evaluating a school-age child who has cystic fibrosis. The nurse should initiate a request for a high-frequency chest compression vest in response to which of the following parent statements?

Choice A rationale:

Hanging the transfusion with dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride is incorrect. Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) are transfused with normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) and not with dextrose-containing solutions. Using dextrose can cause the red blood cells to hemolyze.

Choice B rationale:

Infusing the transfusion over 5 hours is incorrect. PRBC transfusions are typically administered over 2-4 hours, not 5 hours. Infusing the blood too slowly may cause the patient discomfort and may also increase the risk of bacterial growth in the blood product.

Choice C rationale:

Using a 20-gauge IV catheter to transfuse the blood is incorrect. While a 20-gauge IV catheter is suitable for most blood transfusions, it may not be appropriate for older adults or patients with fragile veins. A smaller gauge, such as 22 or 24, might be more suitable to prevent phlebitis and ensure a steady flow without damaging the blood cells.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring vital signs every hour throughout the transfusion is the correct action. During a blood transfusion, it's crucial to monitor the patient's vital signs frequently to detect any adverse reactions promptly. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, should be assessed before the transfusion, 15 minutes after starting the transfusion, and then hourly thereafter. This vigilant monitoring helps in identifying potential transfusion reactions, such as fever, chills, or hypotension, allowing for immediate intervention if needed.

The adolescent has not voided in 4 hr.

Rationale:

• A. The nurse should not address the parents' concerns and provide education and support, but refer the concerns to the provider to address the concerns about the surgical procedure.
• B. The adolescent's blood pressure is 131/89 mm Hg. This is not a correct answer because this blood pressure is within the normal range for an adolescent and does not indicate any complications or adverse effects from the injury or medication.
• C. The adolescent reports severe pain. This is not a correct answer because the nurse should administer morphine as prescribed for pain relief, but this is not a priority finding that requires immediate intervention or reporting to the provider. The nurse should also monitor the adolescent's pain level and response to medication, and use nonpharmacological methods to reduce pain and anxiety.
• D.Although this may raise concerns about renal injury, it is no a contraindication or cause for delay for the emergency surgical procedure.