A nurse in a community clinic is caring for a client who has erythema migrans. The nurse should implement which of the following precautions?

Rationale:

• Stay with the client for the first 15 min of the transfusion: The first 15 minutes of a blood transfusion are critical for monitoring signs of a transfusion reaction, such as fever, chills, rash, or hypotension. Continuous observation allows the nurse to promptly intervene and prevent complications.

• Obtain the first unit of packed RBCs from the blood bank: Retrieving the blood from the blood bank ensures that the correct product is available for transfusion and meets safety protocols. Verification of type and crossmatch is essential before administration.

• Document the blood product transfusion in the client's medical record: Accurate documentation of the transfusion, including product type, volume, time, and client response, is required for legal, medical, and safety purposes. It ensures continuity of care and provides a record for any adverse events.

• Start an IV bolus of lactated Ringers solution: Routine IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s is not indicated unless the client has persistent hypotension requiring fluid resuscitation. Blood transfusion itself is the primary intervention to correct anemia in this client.

• Titrate the rate of infusion to maintain the client's blood pressure at least 90/60 mm Hg: While monitoring blood pressure is important, adjusting the transfusion rate specifically to maintain a numeric BP is not standard practice. The transfusion rate should follow protocol, usually starting slow for the first 15 minutes and then adjusted per tolerance, not solely based on BP.

Rationale:

A. Provide 60 mL (2 oz) of fluid intake every 5 min.: Following gastric bypass surgery, the stomach pouch is very small and cannot tolerate large or frequent volumes. Giving 60 mL every 5 minutes places the client at high risk for nausea, vomiting, dumping syndrome, and anastomotic complications. Fluid intake must be introduced slowly in small sips.

B. Ambulate the client 48 hr after the procedure.: Early ambulation is essential to prevent postoperative complications such as atelectasis, venous thromboembolism, and delayed return of bowel function. Waiting 48 hours is too long; clients should begin ambulating on the day of surgery or within the first 24 hours to promote circulation.

C. Provide a soft diet on the first postoperative day.: After gastric bypass surgery, the digestive system needs time to heal and cannot tolerate solid or semi-solid foods. Clients begin with clear liquids and progress gradually to pureed, soft, and then solid diets over several weeks.

D. Measure and compare abdominal girth daily.: Monitoring abdominal girth helps detect postoperative complications such as internal bleeding, leaks, or ileus, which may present with distention or increased abdominal size. Regular measurement provides early recognition of changes that require prompt intervention.