A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a transfusion of packed red blood cells and develops itching and hives. What should be the nurse’s first response?
Obtain vital signs.
Notify the registered nurse.
Administer diphenhydramine.
Stop the transfusion.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale for Choice A: Obtain vital signs
While obtaining vital signs is important in assessing a patient's overall condition, it is not the first priority in a suspected transfusion reaction.
Vital signs can provide valuable information about the severity of the reaction, but they should not delay the immediate action of stopping the transfusion.
Delaying the cessation of the transfusion could allow for further infusion of incompatible blood or allergens, potentially worsening the reaction and leading to more serious complications.
Rationale for Choice B: Notify the registered nurse
Involving other healthcare professionals is crucial in managing transfusion reactions, but it should not precede stopping the transfusion.
The nurse should prioritize stopping the transfusion to prevent further exposure to potential triggers and then promptly notify the registered nurse for further assessment and interventions.
Timely communication with the registered nurse is essential for coordinating care and ensuring appropriate treatment measures are implemented.
Rationale for Choice C: Administer diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, can be used to treat allergic reactions, but it should not be administered as the first response in this scenario.
The priority is to halt the infusion of the blood product that is potentially causing the reaction.
Administering diphenhydramine before stopping the transfusion could mask the symptoms of the reaction, making it more difficult to assess its severity and progression.
Rationale for Choice D: Stop the transfusion
This is the correct and most immediate action to take when a patient develops itching and hives during a blood transfusion.
These symptoms are indicative of a possible allergic or transfusion reaction, and stopping the transfusion is essential to prevent further complications.
It's critical to act quickly to minimize the amount of incompatible blood or allergens that enter the patient's circulation.
By stopping the transfusion, the nurse can potentially prevent the reaction from worsening and safeguard the patient's well- being.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35), a high PaCO2 (greater than 45 mm Hg), and a normal or high HCO3 (22-26 mEq/L). It occurs when there is a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood due to impaired ventilation.
The patient's ABGs do not align with respiratory acidosis because the pH is elevated (7.6), and the PaCO2 is within the normal range (40 mm Hg).
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (greater than 7.45), a low PaCO2 (less than 35 mm Hg), and a normal or low HCO3 (22-26 mEq/L). It occurs when there is excessive loss of carbon dioxide through hyperventilation.
The patient's ABGs do not align with respiratory alkalosis because the HCO3 is elevated (32 mEq/L), which is not typical for this condition.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35), a normal or low PaCO2 (less than 40 mm Hg), and a low HCO3 (less than 22 mEq/L). It occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body or a loss of bicarbonate.
The patient's ABGs do not align with metabolic acidosis because the pH is elevated (7.6), and the HCO3 is elevated (32 mEq/L).
Choice D rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (greater than 7.45), a normal or high PaCO2 (40-45 mm Hg), and an elevated HCO3 (greater than 26 mEq/L). It occurs when there is an excess of bicarbonate in the body or a loss of acid.
The patient's ABGs align with metabolic alkalosis because of the high pH (7.6), normal PaCO2 (40 mm Hg), and elevated HCO3 (32 mEq/L).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This response is dismissive of the patient's pain and does not offer any assistance. It also does not acknowledge the patient's concerns about their pain being a normal part of aging.
It's important to validate the patient's experience and offer support, even if the pain level is not severe.
This response could lead to the patient feeling unheard and unsupported, and it could potentially delay necessary treatment.
Choice B rationale:
This response suggests that the patient's pain is not significant enough to warrant treatment unless it worsens. This is not appropriate, as pain is subjective and should be treated based on the patient's individual experience.
Additionally, this response reinforces the patient's belief that pain is a normal part of aging, which may prevent them from seeking treatment in the future.
Choice C rationale:
This response is the best option because it acknowledges the patient's pain, expresses concern, and suggests further investigation.
It is important to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the pain.
This response also demonstrates to the patient that the nurse is taking their pain seriously and is committed to helping them manage it.
Choice D rationale:
This response acknowledges that pain can be a part of aging, but it also suggests that there may be a specific cause for the patient's pain.
This could lead to the patient feeling anxious or worried about their health.
It is important to investigate the cause of the pain before making any assumptions.
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