A nurse is assisting in the care of a client

Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to implement? Select all that apply.

B. Ensure two nurses confirm the information on the blood label: Before initiating a blood transfusion, two nurses must verify the client’s identity, blood type, and compatibility with the donor blood. This step is essential to prevent transfusion reactions due to mismatched blood.

C. Obtain a large-bore IV catheter: A large-bore IV catheter (18–20 gauge) is necessary to facilitate the transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). A smaller gauge may cause hemolysis or delay administration.

D. Witness the client signing a consent for transfusion: A blood transfusion is an invasive procedure requiring informed consent. The nurse ensures the client understands the risks, benefits, and potential complications before signing the consent form.

Incorrect Options:

A. Explain to the client that transfusion reactions are not serious: This is incorrect because transfusion reactions can range from mild allergic responses to life-threatening anaphylaxis or hemolytic reactions. The nurse should educate the client on symptoms to report, such as fever, chills, or dyspnea.

E. Ensure the transfusion tubing is flushed with dextrose 5% in water: Blood products should only be administered with 0.9% sodium chloride to prevent hemolysis. Using dextrose solutions can cause red blood cell aggregation and clot formation.

A) Patient care technician: While a patient care technician (PCT) is an important part of the healthcare team, their role generally focuses on providing direct patient care tasks such as monitoring vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, and supporting the nursing staff. They do not have the expertise to address complex medication interactions, so they are not the appropriate referral in this scenario.

B) Psychologist: A psychologist focuses on providing mental health support, including therapy and counseling. While medication interactions may be of concern in patients receiving psychiatric medications, a psychologist does not typically have the medical knowledge to assess or manage pharmacological interactions. The nurse would not make a referral to a psychologist for this issue.

C) Social worker: Social workers are important for addressing the social and emotional needs of patients, including helping with care coordination, support, and resources. However, they are not trained to evaluate or address medication interactions. This issue would be outside of their scope of practice.

D) Advanced practice nurse: An advanced practice nurse (APN), such as a nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist, has advanced training in diagnosing, managing, and prescribing medications. They are the most appropriate team member to assess the potential interactions of the client’s medications and make any necessary adjustments to their medication regimen. The nurse should refer the client to an APN for expertise in this area.