An RN is observing a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and an assistive personnel (AP) move a client up in bed. For which of the following situations should the nurse intervene?

Take the medication 15 min before playing sports.

• A. Clean the mouthpiece with warm water every 2 weeks. This is incorrect because the mouthpiece should be cleaned with warm water at least once a week, or more often if used frequently, to prevent bacterial growth and contamination.
• B. Wait 10 seconds between inhalations. This is incorrect because the recommended time interval between inhalations is 1 minute, not 10 seconds, to allow adequate absorption of the medication and prevent overdose or side effects.
• C. Take a quick inhalation when pressing the dispenser. This is incorrect because a quick inhalation can cause poor coordination of hand-mouth movement and result in less medication reaching the lungs. The nurse should instruct the child to take a slow, deep inhalation when pressing the dispenser, hold their breath for 10 seconds, and exhale slowly.
• D. Take the medication 15 min before playing sports. This is correct because albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator that can prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. The nurse should teach the child to take the medication before engaging in physical activity that can trigger asthma symptoms, such as sports, cold weather, or allergens.

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.