A nurse is caring for a client at risk for fluid volume overload with an order to infuse 1 unit of blood. The health care provider specified the rate of infusion must be 8 hours to prevent the effects of fluid volume overload in this client. Which intervention should the nurse implement for this client?
Retrieve the blood from the laboratory and run each unit at an 8-hour rate.
Notify the laboratory to split the unit into 2, then infuse each half for 4 hours.
Call the HCP to question the order because blood must infuse within 4 hours.
Infuse each unit for 8 hours, the maximum rate for a unit of blood.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Retrieving the blood from the laboratory and running each unit at an 8-hour rate is not appropriate. According to transfusion guidelines, blood products should be infused within 4 hours to prevent bacterial growth and reduce the risk of transfusion-related complications1. Infusing blood over 8 hours increases the risk of these complications.
Choice B Reason:
Notifying the laboratory to split the unit into 2 and then infusing each half for 4 hours is also not ideal. While this approach might seem to address the time constraint, it is not a standard practice and could lead to issues with blood product integrity and patient safety2. Blood products are typically not split unless there are specific protocols in place, and this is not a common intervention for managing infusion rates.
Choice C Reason:
Calling the HCP to question the order is the correct intervention. Blood transfusions must be completed within 4 hours to ensure patient safety and maintain the integrity of the blood product3. The nurse should advocate for the patient by questioning any orders that do not align with established guidelines and best practices.
Choice D Reason:
Infusing each unit for 8 hours is incorrect. The maximum duration for infusing a unit of blood is 4 hours4. Extending the infusion time beyond this limit increases the risk of complications such as bacterial contamination and reduced efficacy of the blood product.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Restlessness is often one of the earliest signs of hypoxia. When the body experiences low oxygen levels, the brain is one of the first organs to be affected. This can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and restlessness as the brain struggles to function properly without adequate oxygen. These symptoms occur because the body is trying to compensate for the lack of oxygen by increasing respiratory and heart rates, which can make a person feel uneasy or restless.
Choice B Reason:
Cyanosis refers to a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to low oxygen levels in the blood. While cyanosis is a significant indicator of hypoxia, it is typically a later sign. By the time cyanosis is visible, hypoxia has usually been present for some time, and oxygen levels have been critically low. Therefore, it is not the earliest clinical manifestation of hypoxia.
Choice C Reason:
Apnea is the absence of breathing. This is a severe and late sign of hypoxia. When a person stops breathing, it indicates that the body has been deprived of oxygen for an extended period, leading to critical conditions. Apnea is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention, but it is not an early sign of hypoxia.
Choice D Reason:
Bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate. Like apnea, bradycardia is a late sign of hypoxia. Initially, the body responds to low oxygen levels by increasing the heart rate (tachycardia) to pump more oxygenated blood to tissues. Bradycardia occurs when the body can no longer compensate, and the heart rate slows down, indicating severe hypoxia and impending failure of the cardiovascular system.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Sclera is correct. The sclera, or the white part of the eye, is a reliable site to assess for jaundice, especially in dark-skinned individuals. Jaundice causes a yellowish discoloration of the sclera due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. This yellowing is often more noticeable in the sclera than in other parts of the body.
Choice B Reason:
Dorsal surface of the foot is incorrect. The dorsal surface of the foot is not a reliable site for assessing jaundice, particularly in dark-skinned individuals. The skin on the feet may not show the yellow discoloration as clearly as the sclera.
Choice C Reason:
Pinnae of the ears is incorrect. The pinnae, or outer parts of the ears, are not typically used to assess for jaundice. The skin in this area may not show the yellow discoloration as effectively as the sclera.
Choice D Reason:
Palmar surface of the hand is incorrect. While the palms can sometimes show signs of jaundice, they are not as reliable as the sclera. The yellow discoloration may be less noticeable on the palms, especially in dark-skinned individuals.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today