A client is scheduled to receive a blood transfusion, but the nurse discovers that the blood product appears discolored or contains clots. What should the nurse do next?

A) Correct: Pre-medicating the client with antihistamines before the transfusion can help prevent or minimize allergic transfusion reactions in clients with a history of severe allergies. Antihistamines block histamine release, reducing the risk of allergic symptoms.

B) Incorrect: Administering the blood transfusion rapidly is not a preventive measure for allergic transfusion reactions. In fact, rapid administration may increase the risk of adverse reactions.

C) Incorrect: Warming the blood product before administration is important to prevent hypothermia but is not directly related to preventing allergic transfusion reactions.

D) Incorrect: Monitoring the client's vital signs during the transfusion is a standard practice, but it is not the primary intervention for preventing allergic transfusion reactions. Pre-medication with antihistamines is a more targeted approach.

A) Correct: The client's symptoms of respiratory distress and chest pain indicate a potential transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), a severe transfusion reaction. The nurse's priority intervention is to administer oxygen via a non-rebreather mask to improve oxygenation.

B) Incorrect: Discontinuing the blood transfusion immediately is necessary in suspected cases of TRALI, but it is not the priority intervention. First, the nurse should provide immediate respiratory support by administering oxygen.

C) Incorrect: Elevating the client's feet and lowering the head (Trendelenburg position) is not indicated for TRALI. It may be used for clients in shock, but the priority is to manage the client's respiratory distress and chest pain.

D) Incorrect: Administering diuretics is not the priority intervention for TRALI. TRALI is caused by a reaction to plasma components, not fluid overload, and diuretics may not address the underlying cause.