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
The correct answer is choice B: Dyspnea.
Choice B rationale: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a potential indication of a recurrent pulmonary embolism and should be reported immediately. Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent life-threatening complications.
Choice A rationale: Hypotension may be a concerning finding in postoperative clients, but it is not the priority for a client with a history of pulmonary embolism. Hypotension could be related to various factors like bleeding or anesthesia effects.
Choice C rationale: Dry cough may occur as a result of irritation or inflammation in the airway due to the surgical procedure or anesthesia. Although it should be monitored, it is not the highest priority in this situation.
Choice D rationale: Tachycardia can be a common postoperative finding due to pain, anxiety, or other factors. Although it should be monitored and addressed, it is not the most critical concern in this case. Dyspnea is more closely related to a possible pulmonary embolism and should be reported promptly.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice B: Assign the child to a negative air pressure room.
Choice A rationale: Assessing the child for Koplik spots is not appropriate in this situation because Koplik spots are associated with measles, not varicella. Koplik spots are small, white, irregular lesions that appear on the buccal mucosa during the prodromal phase of measles. They do not present in cases of varicella, which is characterized by a pruritic, vesicular rash.
Choice B rationale: Assigning the child to a negative air pressure room is the most suitable action because varicella is highly contagious and can be transmitted through airborne particles. A negative air pressure room helps to contain these particles and minimize the risk of infection transmission to other patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. Airborne precautions are the recommended infection control measures for managing varicella cases in healthcare settings.
Choice C rationale: Utilizing droplet precautions alone is insufficient for managing varicella because the virus can also be spread through airborne particles. While droplet precautions may be a component of the overall infection control strategy, they are inadequate without the additional implementation of airborne precautions, such as a negative air pressure room.
Choice D rationale: Administering aspirin to a child with a viral illness is generally contraindicated due to the potential risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but severe condition characterized by liver failure and encephalopathy. It is essential to follow appropriate guidelines for managing fever and discomfort in pediatric patients with varicella, which typically involve using acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead of aspirin.
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.