A nurse is administering packed RBCs to a client. The client reports chills, lower back pain, and nausea 10 min after the infusion begins. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

The client has neutropenia, which is a low number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that fights infection. The client is at risk for developing infections from bacteria and fungi that are normally present in the environment. Raw fruits may contain these microorganisms and should be avoided.

Contact isolation is not necessary for neutropenic clients, unless they have an active infection. Applying pressure to venipuncture sites for 10 min is a standard precaution for all clients, not specific to neutropenic clients. Moving the client to a negative pressure room is indicated for clients with airborne infections, not neutropenic clients.

A complete AV block (also called third-degree AV block) is a type of heart block in which there is no electrical communication between the atria and ventricles. This means that the atria and ventricles beat independently of each other, resulting in a slow and irregular pulse. A complete AV block can cause symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart failure.

A permanent pacemaker is a device that sends electrical impulses to the heart to regulate its rhythm and prevent bradycardia (slow heart rate). A permanent pacemaker is indicated for clients with complete AV block and rates slower than 40/min or symptomatic bradycardia.

The other options are not indications for a permanent pacemaker. Vasovagal bradycardia is a temporary drop in heart rate and blood pressure caused by a stimulus that triggers the vagus nerve, such as pain, stress, or straining.

It usually resolves on its own or with simple measures, such as lying down or elevating the legs. Sinus tachycardia is a normal increase in heart rate in response to physical or emotional stress, such as exercise, fever, or anxiety. It usually does not require treatment unless it is caused by an underlying condition or causes symptoms.

Asymptomatic second-degree AV block is a type of heart block in which some of the electrical impulses from the atria are blocked from reaching the ventricles. It may not cause any symptoms or affect the overall heart rate. It may be benign or transient, or it may progress to a more serious type of heart block. It may require monitoring or medication, but not a permanent pacemaker unless it causes symptomatic bradycardia.