A nurse is collecting a blood pressure (BP) reading from a client who is sitting in a chair. The nurse determines that the client's BP is 158/96 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Check that the client has a small gauge IV catheter in place.

Blood transfusions require a large-bore IV catheter (18-20 gauge) to prevent hemolysis and ensure efficient infusion. A small gauge IV (such as 22-24G) is not appropriate for PRBCs as it can slow the infusion and damage red blood cells.

B. Check the blood product's compatibility with the client's blood type: Before administering packed red blood cells (PRBCs), the nurse must verify blood compatibility to prevent a hemolytic transfusion reaction, which can be life-threatening.

C. Prime the client's primary IV tubing with lactated Ringer’s.

Only normal saline (0.9% NaCl) should be used to prime the IV tubing for a blood transfusion. Lactated Ringer’s and dextrose solutions can cause hemolysis and clotting of the blood product.

D. Confirm the identity of the client with the blood bank technician.While verifying the blood product is critical, the nurse should confirm the client’s identity at the bedside with another licensed nurse, not the blood bank technician. This ensures that the right blood is given to the right client following facility protocols.

A. Whisper a series of words softly into one ear.

Explanation: Whispering words into one ear is not part of Weber's test. This action is more relevant to the assessment of hearing acuity and not the lateralization of sound. Weber's test focuses on the perception of sound in relation to both ears, not the ability to hear whispered words.

B. Place an activated tuning fork in the middle of the client's forehead.

Explanation: In Weber's test, a tuning fork is placed in the middle of the client's forehead. The test is designed to assess whether sound lateralizes (moves) to one ear or is heard equally in both ears. If the client perceives the sound more in one ear than the other, it may indicate a hearing imbalance or issue.

C. Deliver a series of high-pitched sounds at random intervals.

Explanation: Delivering high-pitched sounds at random intervals is not part of Weber's test. Weber's test involves a single action – placing an activated tuning fork in the middle of the client's forehead. The purpose is to determine if the client perceives the sound equally in both ears or if there is lateralization. Random intervals and high-pitched sounds are not specified components of this test.

D. Hold an activated tuning fork against the client's mastoid process.

Explanation: While holding a tuning fork against the mastoid process is part of another hearing test called the Rinne test, it is not the appropriate action for the Weber's test. The Rinne test compares air conduction (using the tuning fork near the ear) to bone conduction (using the tuning fork against the mastoid process) to evaluate hearing in each ear. In Weber's test, we are specifically interested in lateralization of sound, not comparing air and bone conduction.