A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is to receive a transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). Which of the following solutions should be administered with PRBCs?

Choice A reason: Discouraging reminiscing about the past is not a helpful strategy for a client who has dementia and confusion. Reminiscing can stimulate memory, enhance mood, and promote social interaction.

Choice B reason: Asking open-ended questions that encourage the client to express their feelings is not appropriate for a client who has dementia and confusion. Open-ended questions can increase frustration and anxiety for the client who may have difficulty finding words or recalling events. The nurse should use simple, direct, and closed-ended questions instead.

Choice C reason: Using holiday decorations to provide orientation to the time of the year is a beneficial action for a client who has dementia and confusion. Holiday decorations can help the client recognize familiar cues and reduce disorientation.

Choice D reason: Encouraging multiple family members to visit the client at the same time is not advisable for a client who has dementia and confusion. Multiple visitors can overwhelm and agitate the client who may have trouble recognizing faces or voices. The nurse should limit the number of visitors and ensure they are calm and supportive.

Choice A reason: 0.9% sodium chloride or normal saline is the only solution that should be administered with PRBCs, as it has an isotonic osmolarity and pH that are compatible with blood products and can prevent hemolysis or clotting.

Choice B reason: Dextrose 5% in water or D5W should not be administered with PRBCs, as it has a hypotonic osmolarity that can cause hemolysis or rupture of red blood cells due to osmotic pressure.

Choice C reason: Lactated Ringer's or LR should not be administered with PRBCs, as it contains calcium and lactate that can interfere with blood coagulation and cause clotting or embolism.

Choice D reason: Dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride or D5½NS should not be administered with PRBCs, as it has a hypotonic osmolarity that can cause hemolysis or rupture of red blood cells due to osmotic pressure.