A nurse is caring for a school-age child who is 2 hr postoperative following a cardiac catheterization. The nurse observes blood on the child's dressing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct actions;
A. A large-bore IV catheter is recommended for blood transfusions because it allows for faster and more efficient administration of the blood product. Blood transfusions require proper blood flow to prevent damage to the blood cells, and a larger catheter (usually 18 or 20 gauge) ensures this. A smaller catheter may increase the risk of hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) or slower transfusion rates, which is not ideal in an emergency situation.
B. It is mandatory to obtain informed consent before any transfusion procedure. The nurse is required to witness the client’s signature on the consent form, ensuring that the client understands the procedure, risks, and benefits. The client’s statement of concern ("I'm really scared...") emphasizes the importance of having a thorough discussion and ensuring they understand what is happening.
E. Two nurses must independently verify the blood product details (such as the blood type and matching the client’s identification) before the transfusion begins. This double-checking procedure is a safety protocol to prevent transfusion errors, such as administering the wrong blood type, which can lead to severe reactions and complications.
Incorrect actions:
C. Dextrose solutions (D5W) should not be used to flush blood transfusion tubing. This is because dextrose solutions can cause hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) when mixed with blood. The correct solution to flush blood transfusion lines is normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride), as it is compatible with blood products and helps prevent damage to the red blood cells.
D. Transfusion reactions, although rare, can be serious and even life-threatening. It is important for the nurse to provide accurate and clear information about potential transfusion reactions (e.g., allergic reactions, fever, hemolytic reactions, anaphylaxis) and to educate the client on what to expect

A. The client’s symptoms (burning with urination, pain) and urinalysis findings are indicative of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is typically caused by bacteria in the urinary tract. There are no clear indications of a vaginal infection (e.g., discharge, odor, or other symptoms specific to vaginal infections), so a vaginal culture is not needed for this clinical scenario.
B. The client’s symptoms and laboratory results (positive leukocyte esterase, WBC casts, cloudy urine) strongly suggest a UTI, and the elevated WBC count further confirms infection. Antibiotics are the primary treatment for a urinary tract infection. For pregnant clients, it is crucial to select antibiotics that are safe in pregnancy, as untreated UTIs can lead to preterm labor, kidney infections (pyelonephritis), and fetal complications.
C. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is generally contraindicated during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, due to its potential for causing premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, renal complications, and increased bleeding risk. Alternative pain management strategies should be used in pregnancy.
D. Phenazopyridine is a urinary analgesic that can be used to relieve the pain, burning, and discomfort associated with UTIs. However, it is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, and should only be used in pregnancy if prescribed by a healthcare provider. There are potential concerns with the safety of phenazopyridine in pregnancy, and it should not be administered without a provider's approval.
E. A urine culture is a diagnostic test that can confirm the presence of a urinary tract infection and
identify the specific bacteria responsible for the infection. Given the client’s symptoms and positive findings on urinalysis, a urine culture should be obtained to help guide the choice of appropriate antibiotics. This will help ensure the effective treatment of the infection and prevent complications.