The nurse is administering a blood transfusion to a 12-year-old child after a motor vehicle crash. About 15 minutes after beginning the transfusion, the child reports trouble breathing. The child's temperature is now 101.2°F (38.4°C) up from a baseline of 98.8°F (37.1°C). Which action would the nurse do next?
Give intravenous diphenhydramine (Benadryl) as ordered
Check the child's apical pulse.
Stop the transfusion
Collect a urine sample.
The Correct Answer is C
A. While administering diphenhydramine may be appropriate for allergic reactions, the priority action is to first stop the transfusion to assess and manage the situation appropriately.
B. Checking the child's apical pulse may provide additional information, but it is not the immediate priority in response to trouble breathing.
C. Stopping the transfusion is the critical first step in managing a suspected transfusion reaction, particularly since the child is exhibiting respiratory distress and a fever, which could indicate an acute hemolytic or allergic reaction.
D. Collecting a urine sample may be indicated later, particularly if a hemolytic reaction is suspected, but it is not an immediate priority over stopping the transfusion and ensuring patient safety.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Weight loss may occur with acute exacerbations but is not a guaranteed effect of prednisone therapy.
B. Prednisone does help reduce inflammation but does not directly relieve abdominal cramping; this statement may reflect a misunderstanding of its action.
C. This statement indicates a clear understanding of the need for gradual tapering of prednisone to prevent withdrawal symptoms and rebound exacerbation.
D. Noticing some medication in the stool is not a common or expected effect of prednisone and may indicate a misunderstanding of how the drug works.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Raising the head of the bed may help with respiratory effort but does not address the underlying issue of decreased responsiveness. Immediate assessment and intervention are necessary.
B. Notifying the healthcare provider is critical as the child’s decreased responsiveness and respiratory rate indicate a potential deterioration in condition that requires prompt medical evaluation.
C. While obtaining an oximeter reading can provide useful information about oxygenation, the priority is to notify the HCP about the change in the child's neurological status.
D. Implementing seizure precautions is important for a child with a brain tumor, but the immediate concern is the change in responsiveness, necessitating HCP notification first.
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