A nurse is planning care for a client who is scheduled to receive a transfusion of packed RBCs.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Store the unit of blood at room temperature for 1 hr prior to the infusion.
Ensure that the transfusion is completed within 6 hr.
Obtain venous access using a 22-gauge needle.
Use a solution of 0.9% sodium chloride to flush the transfusion tubing.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is D. Use a solution of 0.9% sodium chloride to flush the transfusion tubing.
Choice A reason: Storing a unit of blood at room temperature for 1 hour prior to the infusion is not recommended. Blood products should be kept refrigerated until just before the transfusion to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. The recommended storage temperature for packed RBCs is 1-6°C. If blood is left at room temperature, it should be infused within 30 minutes to ensure safety.
Choice B reason: Ensuring that the transfusion is completed within 6 hours is not correct. The standard practice is to complete a blood transfusion over 2 to 4 hours, depending on the volume and the patient’s condition. This is to reduce the risk of bacterial growth and transfusion reactions. Prolonging the transfusion time beyond 4 hours increases the risk of bacterial contamination and can compromise the efficacy of the transfused red blood cells.
Choice C reason: Obtaining venous access using a 22-gauge needle is not ideal for a transfusion of packed RBCs. A larger bore needle, typically an 18-gauge or 20-gauge, is preferred to ensure adequate flow of the viscous packed RBCs and to prevent hemolysis. The smaller the gauge number, the larger the needle diameter, so a 22-gauge needle might be too small and could damage the red blood cells during the transfusion.
Choice D reason: Using a solution of 0.9% sodium chloride to flush the transfusion tubing is the correct action. Normal saline is isotonic and is the only fluid compatible with packed RBCs. It is used to prime the transfusion set and to flush the line before and after the transfusion to prevent hemolysis and clotting within the tubing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Including any adverse effects of the medications the client might develop is important but does not cover the entire scope of medication reconciliation. It is essential to compare new prescriptions with the list of current medications to prevent drug interactions, duplications, or omissions.
Choice B rationale:
Comparing new prescriptions with the list of medications the client reports is the correct approach to medication reconciliation. This helps identify discrepancies, ensuring that the client's current medications are accurately documented and preventing medication errors.
Choice C rationale:
Excluding nutritional supplements from the list of medications the client reports is incorrect. Nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter medications are essential components of the medication list. These items can interact with prescribed medications and affect the client's overall health.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging the client to make his own list after he returns home is not recommended. Patients might not have complete knowledge of the medications they are taking, including dosages and frequencies. Relying solely on the patient-generated list can lead to inaccuracies and potential harm.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Answer is: c. Protect the IV bag from exposure to light.
Explanation: Nitroprusside degrades when exposed to light, so the nurse should protect the IV bag from light exposure to maintain the medication's potency and effectiveness in treating the client's severe hypertension.
Choice a. is wrong because calcium gluconate is used as an antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity. Although it may be kept on hand in some facilities, it is not directly related to the administration of nitroprusside.
Choice b. is wrong because attaching an inline filter is not necessary when administering nitroprusside. It is more relevant for medications that require filtration, such as certain chemotherapeutic agents.
Choice d. is wrong because monitoring blood pressure every 2 hours is not frequent enough for a client receiving nitroprusside. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure more frequently, such as every 5 to 15 minutes, depending on facility policies and the client's condition.
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