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A nurse is planning to administer packed RBCs to an older adult client who has a low hemoglobin level.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A.

Hang the transfusion with dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride.

B.

Infuse the transfusion over 5 hr.

C.

Use a 20-gauge IV catheter to transfuse the blood.

D.

Monitor vital signs every hour throughout the transfusion.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale:

Hanging the transfusion with dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride is incorrect. Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) are transfused with normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) and not with dextrose-containing solutions. Using dextrose can cause the red blood cells to hemolyze.

Choice B rationale:

Infusing the transfusion over 5 hours is incorrect. PRBC transfusions are typically administered over 2-4 hours, not 5 hours. Infusing the blood too slowly may cause the patient discomfort and may also increase the risk of bacterial growth in the blood product.

Choice C rationale:

Using a 20-gauge IV catheter to transfuse the blood is incorrect. While a 20-gauge IV catheter is suitable for most blood transfusions, it may not be appropriate for older adults or patients with fragile veins. A smaller gauge, such as 22 or 24, might be more suitable to prevent phlebitis and ensure a steady flow without damaging the blood cells.

Choice D rationale:

Monitoring vital signs every hour throughout the transfusion is the correct action. During a blood transfusion, it's crucial to monitor the patient's vital signs frequently to detect any adverse reactions promptly. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, should be assessed before the transfusion, 15 minutes after starting the transfusion, and then hourly thereafter. This vigilant monitoring helps in identifying potential transfusion reactions, such as fever, chills, or hypotension, allowing for immediate intervention if needed.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Have the client wear a surgical mask while being transported outside the room.

  • A. Initiate contact precautions for the client upon admission. This is incorrect because contact precautions are not sufficient to prevent the spread of TB, which is an airborne disease that can travel through small droplets in the air.
  • B. Restrict visitors from entering the client's room during hospitalization. This is incorrect because visitors can enter the client's room as long as they wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as an N95 respirator, gown, gloves, and eye protection.
  • C. Wear a surgical mask while providing care for the client. This is incorrect because a surgical mask does not filter out small airborne particles that carry TB bacteria. The nurse should wear an N95 respirator or higher level of respiratory protection when caring for a client who has active TB.
  • D. Have the client wear a surgical mask while being transported outside the room. This is correct because a surgical mask can reduce the amount of droplets that are expelled by the client when coughing or sneezing, thus minimizing the risk of infecting others in common areas or hallways.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should use the client's telephone number or another unique identifier, such as a medical record number or a unique identification code, to confirm the client's identity before administering medication. Using a telephone number or a unique identifier ensures accurate identification of the client and helps prevent medication errors.

Choice B rationale:

Place of birth is not a suitable identifier for confirming a client's identity. It does not provide specific and accurate information about the individual and may not be unique to the client.

Choice C rationale:

Driver license number is not a suitable identifier for confirming a client's identity. It may not be readily available in the healthcare setting, and not all clients have a driver's license. Using this identifier could lead to identification errors.

Choice D rationale:

Room number is not a suitable identifier for confirming a client's identity. Room numbers are not unique to individual clients and can change based on hospital assignments. Relying on room numbers can lead to confusion and medication errors.

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