The nurse caring for a client receiving a transfusion notes that 15 minutes after the infusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) has begun, the client is having difficulty breathing and complains of severe chest tightness. What is the most appropriate initial action for the nurse to take?

Remove the client's IV access.

Assess the client's chest sounds and vital signs

Notify the client's healthcare provider.

Stop the transfusion immediately.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Remove the client's IV access:

Removing the client's IV access is not the most appropriate initial action when a client experiences difficulty breathing and severe chest tightness during a transfusion. While it's important to discontinue the infusion, the immediate priority is to stop the transfusion itself to prevent further reaction and assess the client's condition.

B. Assess the client's chest sounds and vital signs:

This choice is the correct answer. After stopping the transfusion, the nurse should assess the client's respiratory status by listening to chest sounds for any wheezing or crackles, as well as checking vital signs such as oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate. These assessments help evaluate the severity of the reaction and guide further interventions.

C. Notify the client's healthcare provider:

Notifying the healthcare provider is an essential step, but it typically follows the immediate action of stopping the transfusion and assessing the client's condition. The healthcare provider needs to be informed promptly about the client's condition, transfusion reaction, and the actions taken for further guidance and orders.

D. Stop the transfusion immediately:

This is the initial and most critical action when a client experiences signs of a transfusion reaction such as difficulty breathing and severe chest tightness. Stopping the transfusion promptly helps prevent the reaction from worsening and allows for immediate assessment and intervention to ensure client safety.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "Yes. Hypertension is prevalent among men; it is fortunate we caught this during your routine examination.": This response is premature as it assumes a diagnosis of hypertension based on a single elevated blood pressure reading without further assessment or confirmation.

B. "We will need to reevaluate your blood pressure because age places you at high risk for hypertension.": While age is a risk factor for hypertension, it is important not to jump to conclusions based on one blood pressure reading. Reevaluation and monitoring are necessary before making any definitive diagnoses or treatment decisions.

C. "A single elevated blood pressure does not confirm hypertension. You will need to have your blood pressure reassessed several times before a diagnosis can be made.": This response is appropriate because it acknowledges the need for further assessment and monitoring before determining if the client has hypertension. It also educates the client about the importance of multiple readings for an accurate diagnosis.

D. "You have no need to worry. Your pressure is probably elevated because you are being tested.": This response dismisses the client's concerns and does not provide accurate information about blood pressure assessment and hypertension diagnosis.

A. When the client states he is ready to start the infusion B. As soon as the nurse can prepare the client and the administration set C. 2 hours after obtaining blood from the blood bank D. When the client has finished eating lunch

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. When the client states he is ready to start the infusion:

While it's important to consider the client's readiness and cooperation, the timing of the infusion should not solely depend on the client's statement. The priority is to start the infusion promptly after receiving the packed red blood cells (PRBCs) from the blood bank to ensure their safety and effectiveness.

B. As soon as the nurse can prepare the client and the administration set:

This choice is the correct answer. After receiving the unit of PRBCs from the blood bank at 1130, the nurse should begin the infusion as soon as possible after preparing the client (ensuring the correct patient, verifying the blood type compatibility, obtaining informed consent, etc.) and the administration set (priming the IV tubing, checking for any leaks, etc.). Prompt administration helps prevent delays that could compromise the quality of the blood product.

C. 2 hours after obtaining blood from the blood bank:

Waiting for 2 hours before starting the infusion is too long and could exceed the recommended timeframe for administering PRBCs after obtaining them from the blood bank. Delaying the infusion for such an extended period could impact the viability and safety of the blood product.

D. When the client has finished eating lunch:

The timing of the client's meal is not a factor in determining when to start the infusion of PRBCs. While it's generally important for the client to have adequate nutrition and hydration, the priority is to administer the blood product promptly after preparation to ensure its efficacy and safety, rather than waiting for unrelated factors such as meal times.

View Question and Answer

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

The nurse caring for a client receiving a transfusion notes that 15 minutes after the infusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) has begun, the client is having difficulty breathing and complains of severe chest tightness. What is the most appropriate initial action for the nurse to take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A 56-year-old male client at a screening event has a blood pressure reading of 146/96 mm Hg. Upon hearing the reading, the client states, "My pressure has never been this high. Do you think my doctor will prescribe medication to reduce it?" What is the nurse's best response?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse receives a unit of packed RBCs from a blood bank and notes that the time is 1130. The nurse should begin the infusion at which of the following times?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is teaching about risk factors that increase the probability of coronary artery disease to a community group. Which risk factors will the nurse Include in the discussion? (Select All that Apply.)

A client with primary hypertension reports dizziness with ambulation when taking the prescribed alpha-adrenergic blocker. When teaching this client, what should the nurse emphasize?

The nurse is collecting data for a client who has been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia. What subjective findings does the nurse recognize as symptoms related to this type of anemia?

A nurse is preparing to administer 0.9% sodium chloride 1,000 mL IV to infuse over 8 hr. The nurse should set the IV pump to deliver how many ml/hr? Round to the nearestwholenumber.

The nurse has given education for a client who is going to have an exercise stress test. The nurse knows the client understands the teaching when they say what?

The nurse is planning the care of a client with heart failure. The nurse should identify what overall goals of this client's care? (Select All that Apply.)

The nurse is providing discharge education to a client diagnosed with heart failure. What should the nurse teach this client to do to assess fluid balance in the home setting?

A patient admitted to the unit displays the following cardiac rhythm on telemetry. What is the estimated heart rate?