A client receiving a blood transfusion develops sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and a productive cough with pink, frothy sputum. The nurse suspects a severe transfusion reaction. What is the nurse's immediate action?

Raise the head of the client's bed and administer oxygen.

Obtain a sputum sample for culture and sensitivity testing.

Administer a diuretic to relieve pulmonary congestion.

Discontinue the blood transfusion and remove the IV catheter.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Raising the head of the client's bed and administering oxygen is the immediate action to improve oxygenation and relieve respiratory distress in a client experiencing potential pulmonary edema, as evidenced by the pink, frothy sputum.

B) Obtaining a sputum sample for culture and sensitivity testing may be important to assess for infection, but it is not the nurse's immediate action in response to a severe transfusion reaction.

C) Administering a diuretic may help with pulmonary congestion, but it is not the nurse's immediate action in response to a severe transfusion reaction. The priority is to improve oxygenation.

D) Discontinuing the blood transfusion and removing the IV catheter is important, but the immediate action to address the client's respiratory distress is to raise the head of the bed and administer oxygen. Stopping the transfusion can follow after the client's respiratory status stabilizes.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A: Notify the healthcare provider immediately to obtain a blood transfusion order – This is the priority action because the client’s hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL, along with symptoms of hypoxia, indicates a need for urgent medical intervention. Obtaining an order for a transfusion is crucial for addressing the underlying issue of low hemoglobin and associated hypoxia.
B: Administer supplemental oxygen to the client to improve oxygenation – While this action is important, it is not the first step. The low hemoglobin indicates a need for a transfusion, and notifying the provider can lead to quicker treatment.
C: Initiating IV access with a large-bore catheter is an important step in preparation for a possible blood transfusion, but it is not the first action. The client's current symptoms must be managed promptly.
D: Ambulation may be contraindicated post-major surgery, especially when the client is symptomatic. It could exacerbate the client's condition and is not the immediate priority in this scenario.

A. Administer epinephrine immediately. B. Stop the transfusion and disconnect the IV tubing. C. Slow down the transfusion rate. D. Obtain a blood sample for repeat crossmatching.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect: Administering epinephrine is not the appropriate intervention for an allergic transfusion reaction characterized by urticaria and itching. Epinephrine is used to treat anaphylactic reactions.

B) Incorrect: Stopping the transfusion and disconnecting the IV tubing is appropriate in the event of an allergic transfusion reaction, but it should not be the first action. The nurse should first slow down or stop the transfusion if mild symptoms are present and notify the healthcare provider for further instructions.

C) Correct: Slowing down the transfusion rate may be appropriate for mild allergic reactions to reduce symptoms. However, if the reaction worsens, the nurse should stop the transfusion immediately.

D) Incorrect: Obtaining a blood sample for repeat crossmatching is not indicated in an allergic transfusion reaction. Allergic reactions are related to hypersensitivity to plasma proteins and do not involve compatibility issues between red blood cells and plasma.

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A client receiving a blood transfusion develops sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and a productive cough with pink, frothy sputum. The nurse suspects a severe transfusion reaction. What is the nurse's immediate action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has undergone major surgery and has a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL. The client is experiencing symptoms of hypoxia, including tachycardia and shortness of breath. The nurse suspects the need for a blood transfusion. What action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who develops urticaria (hives) and itching during a blood transfusion. The nurse suspects an allergic transfusion reaction. What is the appropriate nursing action?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who experienced a mild allergic reaction during a blood transfusion. Which action should the nurse take to prevent future allergic reactions in this client?

A client with blood type B-positive (B+) requires a blood transfusion. Which blood types are compatible with this client for a crossmatch?

A nurse is preparing to initiate a blood transfusion for a client. Which action should the nurse take first to ensure client safety?

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 client receiving a blood transfusion develops sudden chest pain, dyspnea, and a productive cough with pink, frothy sputum. The nurse suspects a severe transfusion reaction. What is the nurse's immediate action?

A client expresses anxiety and fear about receiving a blood transfusion. What action should the nurse take to address the client's concerns?

A client with a history of transfusion reactions requires a blood transfusion. Which blood component should the nurse ensure is transfused to minimize the risk of a future reaction?

A nurse is reviewing a client's blood compatibility results before a blood transfusion. The crossmatch shows agglutination and incompatibility between the donor's red blood cells and the client's plasma. What action should the nurse take?