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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Soaking in a warm bath every day is not a preventative measure for chronic urinary tract infections. Warm baths might provide temporary relief for discomfort but do not prevent UTIs.
Choice B rationale:
Taking an oral estrogen supplement is not a standard preventative measure for chronic urinary tract infections. Estrogen therapy might be recommended for postmenopausal women with recurrent UTIs, but it's not a general preventive method for all women.
Choice C rationale:
"Drink 2 liters of water per day." This is the correct answer. Staying well-hydrated is essential to prevent urinary tract infections. Drinking an adequate amount of water can help flush out bacteria from the urinary system, reducing the risk of infections. The normal range for daily water intake varies but is generally around 2-3 liters or eight 8-ounce glasses per day.
Choice D rationale:
Emptying the bladder every 6 hours is a good practice, but it might not be sufficient for someone prone to chronic UTIs. Regular and frequent urination can help prevent the buildup of bacteria in the urinary tract. However, specific time intervals might vary from person to person, so a fixed 6-hour rule might not apply to everyone.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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