A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a unit of PRBCs. The nurse suspects the client is experiencing a transfusion reaction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Infuse 0.9% sodium chloride.
Stop the transfusion.
Return the unit of blood to the blood bank
Obtain a blood sample from the client.
The Correct Answer is B
A. While administering 0.9% sodium chloride is an important step to maintain venous access and to help dilute any blood that might still be in the tubing, it is not the first action to take if a transfusion reaction is suspected. This step should occur after the transfusion is stopped and the patient’s safety is ensured.
B. The immediate priority when a transfusion reaction is suspected is to stop the transfusion immediately. This action helps to prevent further exposure to the potentially harmful blood product and mitigates the risk of worsening the reaction. Stopping the transfusion also allows for prompt medical assessment and intervention.
C. Returning the unit of blood to the blood bank is important for investigation and to determine the cause of the reaction, but it should be done after stopping the transfusion and ensuring the client’s safety. The blood bank may require the returned unit to confirm any issues with the blood product.
D. Obtaining a blood sample from the client is crucial for diagnostic purposes and to identify the cause of the reaction, but this should be done after the transfusion has been stopped. The sample may help in diagnosing the type of reaction or in managing it, but it does not address the immediate safety concerns.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While a slightly elevated hematocrit can be associated with dehydration, it's not as specific as urine specific gravity.
B. This indicates concentrated urine, which is a classic sign of dehydration. Normal urine specific gravity is typically between 1.005 and 1.030.
C. This is a normal creatinine level and does not indicate dehydration.
D. This is within the normal range for sodium.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While administering 0.9% sodium chloride is an important step to maintain venous access and to help dilute any blood that might still be in the tubing, it is not the first action to take if a transfusion reaction is suspected. This step should occur after the transfusion is stopped and the patient’s safety is ensured.
B. The immediate priority when a transfusion reaction is suspected is to stop the transfusion immediately. This action helps to prevent further exposure to the potentially harmful blood product and mitigates the risk of worsening the reaction. Stopping the transfusion also allows for prompt medical assessment and intervention.
C. Returning the unit of blood to the blood bank is important for investigation and to determine the cause of the reaction, but it should be done after stopping the transfusion and ensuring the client’s safety. The blood bank may require the returned unit to confirm any issues with the blood product.
D. Obtaining a blood sample from the client is crucial for diagnostic purposes and to identify the cause of the reaction, but this should be done after the transfusion has been stopped. The sample may help in diagnosing the type of reaction or in managing it, but it does not address the immediate safety concerns.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.