A nurse is assessing a client who just received a blood transfusion. The client complains of back pain, fever, and chills. What action should the nurse take first?

A) Incorrect: Placing the client in a supine position with legs elevated is not appropriate in this situation. The client is showing signs of a potential severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or a transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), and the nurse should prioritize interventions accordingly.

B) Correct: Administering oxygen via a non-rebreather mask is the appropriate immediate action for a client experiencing respiratory distress and muffled heart sounds. This intervention helps improve oxygenation and respiratory function.

C) Incorrect: Checking the client's temperature and administering antipyretics is not indicated as the client's symptoms are not consistent with a fever. The focus should be on respiratory and cardiovascular support.

D) Incorrect: Stopping the blood transfusion is essential, but it is not the immediate action in this situation. The nurse's priority is to address the client's respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation by administering oxygen, as stated in option B. Once the client is stable, the nurse should then notify the healthcare provider about the situation.

Questions

A) Incorrect: Administering epinephrine is not the appropriate intervention for an allergic transfusion reaction characterized by urticaria and itching. Epinephrine is used to treat anaphylactic reactions.

B) Incorrect: Stopping the transfusion and disconnecting the IV tubing is appropriate in the event of an allergic transfusion reaction, but it should not be the first action. The nurse should first slow down or stop the transfusion if mild symptoms are present and notify the healthcare provider for further instructions.

C) Correct: Slowing down the transfusion rate may be appropriate for mild allergic reactions to reduce symptoms. However, if the reaction worsens, the nurse should stop the transfusion immediately.

D) Incorrect: Obtaining a blood sample for repeat crossmatching is not indicated in an allergic transfusion reaction. Allergic reactions are related to hypersensitivity to plasma proteins and do not involve compatibility issues between red blood cells and plasma.

Questions