A home health nurse is preparing to make an initial visit to a family following a referral from a local provider. Identify the sequence of steps the nurse should take when conducting a home visit. (Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)

Rationale for correct choices:

• Insert a large-bore IV catheter: A large-bore IV (18–20 gauge) is necessary to allow rapid administration of blood products and reduce hemolysis of red blood cells during transfusion. This ensures safe and effective delivery of the blood components.
• Witness the client signing a consent for transfusion: Informed consent is required before initiating a blood transfusion. The nurse ensures that the client understands the purpose, risks, and potential complications, and witnesses the signing to meet legal and ethical standards.
• Have a second nurse confirm the information on the blood lab: Verifying the blood type, crossmatch, and client identifiers with a second nurse reduces the risk of transfusion errors and ensures patient safety before starting the transfusion.

Rationale for incorrect choices:

• Explain to the client that transfusion reactions are not serious: Transfusion reactions can be serious, including hemolytic reactions, febrile reactions, or allergic responses. The nurse should educate the client on the potential risks and signs of a reaction rather than minimizing them.
• Flush the transfusion tubing with dextrose 5% in water: Blood products should only be administered with 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline). Flushing with dextrose or other solutions can cause hemolysis and compromise the safety of the transfusion.

A. Request an interpreter of a different sex from the client: The interpreter’s sex should ideally match the client’s preference for comfort and privacy, but this is not the first action. The priority is understanding facility policy and proper use of interpreters.

B. Request a family member or friend to interpret information for the client: Using family or friends can lead to miscommunication, breaches of confidentiality, or bias. Professional interpreters are preferred to ensure accurate and complete information.

C. Direct attention toward the interpreter when speaking to the client: When using an interpreter, the nurse should maintain eye contact and direct communication to the client, not the interpreter, to foster rapport and respect.

D. Review the facility policy about the use of an interpreter: Reviewing policy ensures that the nurse follows legal, ethical, and professional guidelines for language access services. This is the appropriate first action before arranging or using an interpreter.