A nurse is caring for a client who has AIDS. The client states, "My mouth is sore when I eat." Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

Rationale:

A. Assess the client's lung sounds prior to the infusion: Pre-transfusion assessment of lung sounds is essential to detect any baseline abnormalities and to monitor for fluid overload or transfusion-related lung complications such as transfusion-associated circulatory overload.

B. Infuse the blood over 4 hr: Older adults are at increased risk for fluid overload, so transfusing packed RBCs slowly over 4 hours is appropriate and safer, as long as the blood is completely administered within the maximum 4-hour window from removal from refrigeration.

C. Verify with another nurse that the unit of blood is compatible with the client's blood type: A dual verification process is mandatory to ensure safe administration. The nurse must check the client’s ID, blood type, unit number, and expiration date with another licensed professional before initiating the transfusion.

D. Prime the infusion tubing with 0.45% sodium chloride: Only 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) should be used to prime and flush blood transfusion tubing. Hypotonic solutions like 0.45% sodium chloride can cause hemolysis and should never be used with blood products.

E. Don sterile gloves to prepare the blood administration setup: Sterile gloves are not necessary for setting up a blood transfusion. Clean gloves are sufficient for handling equipment and initiating IV therapy, following standard precautions.

Rationale:

A. Use a powered lift to transfer the client: When a client is unable to assist and weighs significantly over standard lifting limits, a powered mechanical lift is the safest and most appropriate method. It reduces the risk of musculoskeletal injury to staff and ensures safe, controlled client movement.

B. Wrap their arms under the client's axilla to transfer the client: This manual lifting method can cause harm to both the nurse and the client. It increases the risk of shoulder injury for the client and back strain for the nurse, especially when the client is immobile and heavy.

C. Use a gait belt to transfer the client: Gait belts are used for clients who can bear some weight and assist in the transfer. Since this client cannot assist, a gait belt is insufficient and may result in injury or unsafe movement.

D. Use a sliding board to transfer the client: Sliding boards are typically used when clients have upper body strength and can assist in shifting their weight. For a fully dependent client of this size, it is not a safe or effective method without mechanical assistance.