A nurse is caring for a client who has a spinal cord injury.

Nurses' Notes 0600:

Adventitious lung sounds auscultated in lower lobes bilaterally. Spirometry encouraged. Cough productive for clear sputum.

1000:

Cough productive for clear sputum following incentive spirometry and coughing exercises. Face and neck flushed. Client reports headache.

Abdomen distended. Last bowel movement was 2 days ago with hard stool. Provider Prescriptions

Nifedipine 30 mg PO for blood pressure greater than 150/100 mm Hg and notify provider Acetaminophen 650 mg PO q4 hr PRN pain

For each potential nursing action, click to specify if the action is anticipated or contraindicated for the client.

Indicated:

Titrate the rate of infusion to maintain the client’s blood pressure at least 90/60 mmHg: - The client is hypotensive (76/45 mmHg), likely due to acute blood loss anemia from a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. Adjusting the transfusion rate helps stabilize BP while preventing volume overload.

Stay with the client for the first 15 minutes of the transfusion: The highest risk of a transfusion reaction (e.g., hemolysis, anaphylaxis, febrile reaction) occurs within the first 15 minutes, so the nurse must remain with the client for close monitoring.

Obtain the first unit of packed RBCs from the blood bank: The client’s condition (hypotension, tachycardia, history of melena) suggests GI bleeding and significant blood loss. RBC transfusion is required to restore oxygen-carrying capacity and improve perfusion.

Document the blood product transfusion in the client’s medical records: Proper documentation includes blood product type, volume infused, time started and completed, client response, and any adverse reactions. This ensures compliance with safety protocols.

Not Indicated:

Start an IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s solution: Lactated Ringer’s (LR) is incompatible with blood products because it contains calcium, which can cause clotting in the IV line. Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) should be used instead.

A. Incorrect. While some gestures can be helpful in communication, they might not always convey complex medical information accurately.

B. Incorrect. Speaking slowly might not necessarily enhance understanding, especially if the client's primary language is different from the nurse's.

C. Correct. When using an interpreter, the nurse should address the client directly and speak as if they are having a direct conversation with the client.

D. Incorrect. Pausing in the middle of sentences can disrupt the flow of communication and might not facilitate understanding.