A nurse is caring for a client who is at 10 weeks of gestation and reports difficulty sleeping due to frequent urges to urinate throughout the night. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make?

Rationale:

A. Preeclampsia: Methylergonovine causes vasoconstriction and increases blood pressure, which can be dangerous in clients with preeclampsia. Administering this medication in such cases can elevate the risk of stroke or seizure due to worsening hypertension.

B. An allergy to penicillin: Methylergonovine is not a penicillin-based medication, so a penicillin allergy does not present a known contraindication or concern. Caution is unnecessary unless there is a known allergy to ergot alkaloids.

C. Gestational diabetes mellitus: Methylergonovine does not significantly impact blood glucose levels or insulin sensitivity. Therefore, it can be used safely in clients with gestational diabetes when indicated for hemorrhage control.

D. Cholelithiasis: There is no direct interaction or exacerbation of gallbladder disease with methylergonovine. The medication primarily acts on uterine smooth muscle and vascular tone, not on the biliary system.

Rationale:

• Document the blood product transfusion in the client’s medical record: It is essential to record the transfusion, including time started and ended, vital signs, and any reactions. Documentation ensures traceability, supports patient safety, and meets regulatory and institutional requirements.

• Monitor the client for the first 15 min of the transfusion: The first 15 minutes are the most critical for detecting transfusion reactions, such as fever, chills, rash, or anaphylaxis. Continuous monitoring during this window allows for prompt intervention if adverse symptoms occur.

• Assist with obtaining the first unit of packed RBCs from the blood bank: RNs or authorized personnel can retrieve blood from the blood bank. Proper handling and timely transport of the blood ensure viability and reduce the risk of hemolysis or temperature-related damage.

• Assist with titrating the rate of infusion to maintain the client’s blood pressure at 90/60 mm Hg or above: Titrating transfusion rates based solely on BP is not within nursing protocol unless specifically ordered. Blood products must be infused according to prescription typically over 2 to 4 hours per unit unless a reaction or complication occurs.

• Start an IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s solution: The provider specifically prescribed a 0.9% sodium chloride bolus. Lactated Ringer’s is contraindicated during transfusions because it contains calcium, which can cause clotting when mixed with blood products.

• Discard the blood bag in the client’s trash can after the transfusion: Blood bags must be disposed of in biohazard containers to comply with infection control policies. Discarding medical waste in general trash violates safety protocols and increases contamination risk.