The nurse is monitoring a patient receiving a blood transfusion. For Which symptoms would the nurse stop the transfusion but NOT administer 0,9% normal saline?
dyspnea, crackles, hypertension, and edema
low back pain, hypotension, and tachycardia
urticaria, itching, wheezing, angioedema
chest tightness, fever, chills/rigors
The Correct Answer is A
A) Dyspnea, crackles, hypertension, and edema:
These symptoms suggest a transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) or circulatory overload (TACO), both of which are potentially life-threatening conditions. In cases of TRALI or TACO, the nurse should stop the transfusion immediately but should NOT administer 0.9% normal saline because saline could exacerbate fluid overload and worsen pulmonary edema. Instead, the nurse should focus on managing respiratory distress, ensuring proper oxygenation, and notifying the healthcare provider for further intervention.
B) Low back pain, hypotension, and tachycardia:
These symptoms are typically indicative of a hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR), which requires immediate intervention. In this case, the transfusion should be stopped immediately, but the nurse should begin administering 0.9% normal saline to help maintain the patient's blood pressure and promote kidney perfusion to prevent renal damage.
C) Urticaria, itching, wheezing, angioedema:
These symptoms are characteristic of a mild allergic reaction to the blood transfusion. In this case, the nurse should stop the transfusion and administer 0.9% normal saline to maintain the patient’s hydration and blood pressure while managing the allergic reaction. The healthcare provider may order antihistamines or corticosteroids to treat the allergic symptoms.
D) Chest tightness, fever, chills/rigors:
These are common symptoms of a febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR), which is generally not life-threatening. The nurse should stop the transfusion but can continue administering 0.9% normal saline to support hydration and circulation. FNHTR is often managed with antipyretics (e.g., acetaminophen) to reduce fever and chills, and the transfusion may be resumed if symptoms resolve
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A) Tachycardia: Tachycardia is commonly seen in left-sided heart failure as the heart attempts to compensate for the reduced cardiac output. To maintain adequate perfusion, the body increases the heart rate. The sympathetic nervous system is activated, causing an increase in heart rate to try to pump blood more efficiently despite the reduced pumping ability of the left ventricle.
B) Crackles: Crackles (also known as rales) are typically heard upon auscultation of the lungs in patients with left-sided heart failure. When the left ventricle fails to effectively pump blood, it causes blood to back up into the lungs, resulting in pulmonary congestion. This leads to fluid accumulation in the alveoli, causing crackling sounds during inhalation.
C) Ascites: Ascites is more commonly seen in right-sided heart failure or in cases of congestive heart failure where both sides of the heart are affected. Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which is a consequence of right-sided heart failure causing blood to back up into the abdomen. In left-sided heart failure, ascites is generally not a primary symptom unless the failure becomes severe and involves both sides of the heart.
D) Dyspnea: Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a hallmark symptom of left-sided heart failure. The left ventricle's inability to pump blood efficiently leads to pulmonary congestion, which causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs. This fluid buildup reduces the lung's ability to exchange oxygen, resulting in difficulty breathing, especially on exertion or when lying down (orthopnea).
E) Peripheral edema: Peripheral edema is more characteristic of right-sided heart failure due to the backup of blood in the systemic circulation. While it can occur in cases of biventricular heart failure (both right and left sides of the heart are affected), it is not the primary finding in left-sided heart failure. Left-sided heart failure typically presents with pulmonary symptoms rather than systemic symptoms like peripheral edema.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Take the prescribed anticoagulant specifically as directed:
Clients with mechanical heart valves are at an increased risk of developing blood clots, and therefore, anticoagulation therapy (often warfarin or another blood thinner) is necessary to prevent thromboembolic events. It is essential for the client to take the prescribed anticoagulant exactly as directed, ensuring therapeutic levels are maintained while minimizing the risk of bleeding.
B) Stop taking your antihypertensive medications until checking:
This instruction is not appropriate after heart surgery. Antihypertensive medications are typically necessary to manage blood pressure and reduce the strain on the heart. Stopping antihypertensive medications without consulting the healthcare provider could result in elevated blood pressure, which can put undue stress on the heart, especially after valve replacement surgery.
C) Avoid lifting objects ten pounds or greater for two days:
This statement is not appropriate for a client who has undergone open heart surgery. After heart surgery, particularly valve replacement, the client may be advised to avoid lifting heavy objects for a period of time (often 4-6 weeks) to prevent strain on the incision site and the heart. Two days of restriction is insufficient; longer periods of activity limitation are usually required to ensure proper healing.
D) Take your immunosuppressive medications daily in the morning:
Immunosuppressive medications are not typically prescribed for clients with mechanical heart valves. Immunosuppressive drugs are usually prescribed for clients who have had organ transplants (e.g., kidney, liver) to prevent organ rejection. Since the client in this scenario had a mitral valve replacement, immunosuppressants are not usually indicated unless there are specific complications, such as endocarditis or other infections.
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