A client receiving a blood transfusion suddenly develops chills, fever, and lower back pain. The nurse suspects a transfusion reaction. What is the nurse's priority action?

A. Notifying the healthcare provider is important but should be done after stopping the transfusion to prevent further reaction.
B. Administering acetaminophen does not address the underlying cause of the reaction and should not be the priority.
C. Stopping the transfusion and disconnecting the IV tubing is the first priority to prevent further exposure to the incompatible blood product, which could lead to a life-threatening hemolytic reaction.
D. Infusing normal saline is appropriate to maintain hydration, but it should be done after stopping the transfusion.

A) Stopping the blood transfusion immediately is the nurse's priority action if a transfusion reaction is suspected. This helps prevent further infusion of the potentially incompatible or problematic blood product.

B) Notifying the blood bank is essential to report the suspected transfusion reaction and to facilitate investigation and documentation. However, stopping the transfusion is the first step.

C) Administering antipyretics may help manage the client's fever, but it is not the nurse's priority action when a transfusion reaction is suspected.

D) Placing the client in a supine position with legs elevated is not a priority action when a transfusion reaction is suspected. The priority is to stop the transfusion and assess the client's vital signs and symptoms.