nurse is caring for an adult client who has chronic anaemia and is scheduled to receive a transfusion of 1 unit of packed RBCs. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Set the IV infusion pump to administer the blood over 6 hr.
Administer the blood via a 21-gauge IV needle.
Check the client's vital signs from the previous shift prior to the initiation of the transfusion
Rush the blood administration tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride prior to the transfusion
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason
Setting the IV infusion pump to administer the blood over 6 hours is not the recommended rate for administering packed RBCs. Blood transfusions are typically given more rapidly, usually within 2 to 4 hours. The specific rate may vary depending on the client's condition and the provider's order.
Choice B reason
Administering the blood via a 21-gauge IV needle is not typically related to the administration of the packed RBCs. The appropriate gauge of the IV needle for blood transfusions depends on the client's condition and the type of transfusion. Larger-gauge needles are often used for blood transfusions to allow for a faster flow rate and prevent haemolysis of the blood cells.
Choice C reason
Checking the client's vital signs from the previous shift prior to the initiation of the transfusion is not sufficient for ensuring the client's safety during the blood transfusion. The nurse should assess the client's current vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate, before initiating the transfusion. Monitoring vital signs is essential during the transfusion to detect any adverse reactions or changes in the client's condition.
Choice D reason
Rush the blood administration tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride prior to the transfusion is the correct answer. When preparing to administer a blood transfusion to an adult client with chronic anaemia, the nurse should rush the blood administration tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) prior to the transfusion. This process is called priming the tubing.
Priming the tubing helps remove any residual air from the tubing and ensures that the blood transfusion is administered smoothly without introducing air into the client's bloodstream. Air embolisms can be a serious complication, and priming the tubing with normal saline helps prevent this risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Completing an incident report is not the correct action. An incident report should be completed as part of the hospital's protocol to document the medication error and ensure appropriate follow-up and investigation.
Choice B reason:
Checking the client for indications of bleeding is the correct action to be taken. In this situation, the nurse's first priority should be to assess the client for indications of bleeding, as the client received a significantly higher dose of IV heparin than prescribed. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots, and an overdose can increase the risk of bleeding.
After administering the wrong dose of medication, the nurse's immediate concern is the client's safety and well-being. Checking for signs of bleeding, such as petechiae, ecchymosis, hematomas, bleeding gums, melena (black, tarry stools), haematuria (blood in urine), or any other unusual bleeding, is crucial.
Choice C reason:
Monitor the client's aPTT levels: This is not the correct action to be taken. Monitoring the client's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) levels is essential to assess the client's coagulation status and determine if the overdose of heparin has affected their clotting ability. The healthcare provider may adjust the heparin dosage based on the aPTT levels.
Choice D reason:
Notify the risk manager: This is not the correct action to be taken. The risk manager or appropriate supervisor should be informed about the medication error as soon as possible to initiate a thorough review of the incident and take necessary steps to prevent similar errors in the future.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A, hematuria.
Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine, which can make it appear pink or cola-colored. Hematuria is a common sign of glomerulonephritis, which is inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys (glomeruli) that remove waste and excess fluid from the blood.
Hematuria occurs because the inflamed glomeruli allow some blood cells to leak into the urine.
Choice B, polyuria, is wrong because polyuria is the production of abnormally large amounts of urine. Polyuria is not a typical feature of acute glomerulonephritis, which may actually cause reduced urine output due to fluid retention and decreased kidney function.
Choice C, weight loss, is wrong because weight loss is not a common symptom of acute glomerulonephritis. On the contrary, weight gain may occur due to fluid retention and edema (swelling) in the face, hands, feet and abdomen.
Choice D, hypotension, is wrong because hypotension is low blood pressure. Hypotension is not usually associated with acute glomerulonephritis, which may cause high blood pressure (hypertension) due to fluid overload and impaired sodium excretion by the kidneys.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are less than 120/80 mmHg for adults.
Normal ranges for urine output are about 800 to 2000 mL per day for adults.
Normal ranges for protein in the urine are less than 150 mg per day for adults. Normal ranges for red blood cells in the urine are less than 3 per high-power field for men and less than 5 per high-power field for women.
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