A 40-year-old patient with polycystic kidney disease is scheduled to receive a kidney transplant.
When the nurse begins to administer 2 units of leukocyte-poor packed red blood cells to treat a low hemoglobin level, the patient asks why this has been prescribed.
What is the appropriate response from the nurse?
“It will reduce the risk of receiving white blood cells from the donor that could impair the function of your transplanted kidney.”
“All pre-transplant patients receive leukocyte-poor blood because it is better absorbed by the body.”
“It causes fewer blood reactions in pre-transplant patients.”
“It is less likely to cause hemolysis, or destruction of the blood cells, after transfusion.”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Leukocyte-poor packed red blood cells (LP-PRBCs) have a significantly reduced number of white blood cells (WBCs), also known as leukocytes. This is crucial for pre-transplant patients like the one in the question for several reasons:
Prevention of Alloimmunization: WBCs in blood transfusions carry human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), which are proteins on the surface of cells that play a role in the immune system. Exposure to foreign HLAs can cause the recipient's immune system to develop antibodies against them, a process called alloimmunization. These antibodies can then attack and damage the transplanted kidney, leading to rejection. By reducing the number of WBCs in the transfusion, LP-PRBCs significantly lower the risk of alloimmunization.
Reduced Incidence of Febrile Non-Hemolytic Transfusion Reactions (FNHTRs): FNHTRs are the most common type of transfusion reaction, characterized by fever, chills, and occasionally other symptoms like nausea and vomiting. They are thought to be caused by cytokines released from WBCs in the transfused blood. LP-PRBCs, with their reduced WBC content, have been shown to lower the incidence of FNHTRs.
Potential Benefits for Graft Survival: Some studies have suggested that the use of LP-PRBCs for transfusions may improve long-term graft survival rates in kidney transplant patients, although more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Choice B rationale:
This statement is incorrect. While LP-PRBCs may have some advantages in terms of absorption or utilization, this is not the primary reason for their use in pre-transplant patients. The main goal is to reduce the risk of alloimmunization and other transfusion-related complications.
Choice C rationale:
This statement is partially correct. LP-PRBCs do tend to cause fewer blood reactions, particularly FNHTRs, as explained in the rationale for Choice A. However, this is not the most comprehensive or accurate explanation for their use in pre-transplant patients.
Choice D rationale:
This statement is not directly relevant to the use of LP-PRBCs in pre-transplant patients. While LP-PRBCs may have a lower risk of hemolysis, this is not the primary reason for their use in this specific context.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Prednisone:
Corticosteroid that suppresses the immune system: It's crucial to consult with the primary healthcare provider (PCP) because prednisone can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infection after surgery. The PCP may need to adjust the dosage or temporarily discontinue prednisone prior to surgery.
Potential for adrenal insufficiency: Abrupt cessation of prednisone can lead to adrenal insufficiency, a life-threatening condition. The PCP will provide guidance on how to taper the medication safely before surgery.
Interaction with anesthesia: Prednisone can interact with certain anesthetic agents, potentially increasing the risk of complications. The PCP and anesthesiologist will need to coordinate care to ensure safe medication management during surgery.
Choice B rationale:
Metoprolol:
Beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure and heart rate: While metoprolol is generally safe to continue before surgery, it's still essential to inform the PCP and anesthesiologist about its use. They will monitor heart rate and blood pressure closely during and after surgery, as metoprolol can interact with certain medications used during the procedure.
Choice C rationale:
Warfarin:
Blood thinner that prevents blood clots: Warfarin requires careful management around surgery due to its significant bleeding risk. The PCP will typically recommend holding warfarin for several days before surgery to allow for normalization of blood clotting. They may also bridge with a shorter-acting anticoagulant if necessary.
Potential for bleeding complications: If warfarin is not managed appropriately, it can lead to excessive bleeding during or after surgery. The PCP will closely monitor the patient's INR (international normalized ratio), a measure of blood clotting, to ensure it's within the safe range for surgery.
Choice D rationale:
Insulin:
Hormone that regulates blood sugar: Patients with diabetes who take insulin require careful blood sugar control around surgery to prevent complications. The PCP will provide specific instructions on how to adjust insulin doses before, during, and after surgery, as insulin needs often change due to the stress of surgery and the impact of anesthesia.
Risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia: Both low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can have serious consequences during and after surgery. The PCP will work with the patient to manage blood sugar levels and prevent these complications.
Choice E rationale:
Phenytoin:
Anticonvulsant medication that controls seizures: Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that blood levels must be closely monitored to ensure efficacy and prevent toxicity. Surgery can affect phenytoin levels, so the PCP will likely recommend checking a blood level before surgery and adjusting the dose as needed.
Potential for drug interactions: Phenytoin interacts with many medications, including some commonly used during surgery. The PCP will need to review the patient's medication list carefully and make any necessary adjustments to prevent interactions.
Choice F rationale:
Omega-3 fatty acid:
Generally safe to continue before surgery: Omega-3 fatty acids are not known to have significant interactions with medications used during surgery or to pose risks for wound healing or bleeding. However, it's always best to inform the PCP about any supplements being taken.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While promptly removing urinary catheters can reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), it addresses only one specific type of infection. It doesn't comprehensively address other common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) like central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), surgical site infections (SSIs), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and Clostridium difficile infections (CDI).
Education about infection control methods, however, encompasses a broader range of preventive measures that can be applied to various HAIs, making it a more effective strategy for overall infection prevention.
Choice C rationale:
Placing patients in appropriate isolation can prevent the spread of infections, but it's a reactive measure that's implemented after an infection has already occurred. It doesn't address the root causes of infections or prevent their occurrence in the first place.
Education about infection control methods, on the other hand, is a proactive approach that aims to prevent infections from happening in the first place by teaching staff about proper hygiene practices, aseptic techniques, and other infection prevention strategies.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring hand hygiene practices is crucial for infection prevention, but it's only one aspect of a comprehensive infection control program. Education about infection control methods goes beyond hand hygiene and covers various other preventive measures, such as:
Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) Aseptic technique during invasive procedures
Proper cleaning and disinfection of equipment and surfaces Proper handling of patient waste
Recognition of signs and symptoms of infection Prompt reporting of potential outbreaks
Therefore, educating staff members about infection control methods is the most effective action the nursing manager can take to prevent infections in the hospital unit because it provides a comprehensive approach to infection prevention, addressing various aspects of HAI prevention and promoting a culture of safety among healthcare staff.
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