A nurse is administering platelets to a client who reports having lower back pain and feeling chilled and itchy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Collect a urine sample from the client

Return the platelet bag and tubing to the blood bank

Notify the provider

Stop the infusion

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Collect a urine sample from the client: While collecting a urine sample may be necessary for further assessment, it is not the priority in this situation. The client's symptoms of lower back pain, feeling chilled, and itching suggest a potential transfusion reaction, which requires immediate attention to ensure the client's safety. Therefore, collecting a urine sample is not the most appropriate initial action.

B. Return the platelet bag and tubing to the blood bank: Returning the platelet bag and tubing to the blood bank may be necessary after stopping the infusion, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. Stopping the infusion and assessing the client's condition are the immediate priorities to address the potential transfusion reaction.

C. Notify the provider: While it is important to notify the provider about the client's symptoms and the suspected transfusion reaction, this action should follow after stopping the infusion and assessing the client's condition. Immediate intervention to ensure the client's safety takes precedence over contacting the provider.

D. Stop the infusion: This is the correct action. The client's symptoms of lower back pain, feeling chilled, and itching are indicative of a potential transfusion reaction, such as febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction or allergic reaction. The immediate priority is to stop the infusion to prevent further administration of platelets and assess the client's condition. This action takes precedence over other interventions as addressing the client's safety and well-being is paramount in the event of a transfusion reaction.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Increased blood pressure:
In hypovolemia, the body experiences a significant loss of blood volume, which leads to a reduction in the amount of blood available to circulate through the vessels. This causes a drop in blood pressure, known as hypotension, rather than an increase. The body tries to compensate for the lower blood volume by constricting blood vessels and increasing heart rate, but this typically isn't sufficient to increase blood pressure to normal levels.

B. Decreased heart rate:
The body's natural response to hypovolemia includes an increase in heart rate, known as tachycardia, as the heart attempts to pump the remaining blood more efficiently to vital organs. This compensatory mechanism aims to maintain cardiac output despite the decreased blood volume.

C. Dyspnea:
Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can occur in many medical conditions, including heart failure and respiratory issues. While it can be seen in severe cases of hypovolemia, particularly if the condition leads to shock and subsequent multi-organ failure, it is not a primary or specific sign of hypovolemia.

D. Weak pulse:
A weak pulse is a primary and direct manifestation of hypovolemia. Due to the reduced volume of circulating blood, the heart has less blood to pump with each contraction, leading to a weaker pulse. This symptom indicates a decreased perfusion pressure, which is characteristic of hypovolemia. The body's compensatory mechanisms include vasoconstriction and an increased heart rate, but these measures often result in a pulse that is rapid but weak.

A. Excessive thirst and urination B. Shakiness and diaphoresis C. Hypertension and crackles D. Fever and chills

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Excessive thirst and urination:
Excessive thirst and urination are symptoms typically associated with hyperglycemia, where there is a high level of glucose in the blood, often related to diabetes. When TPN is stopped suddenly, the concern is more about hypoglycemia due to the abrupt lack of glucose infusion, not hyperglycemia.

B. Shakiness and diaphoresis:
When TPN is suddenly interrupted, the continuous supply of glucose that the patient relies on is abruptly halted. This can lead to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, causing hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, diaphoresis (sweating), confusion, and even loss of consciousness if not promptly addressed. Monitoring for shakiness and diaphoresis is crucial in this scenario to prevent severe hypoglycemia.

C. Hypertension and crackles:
These symptoms are typically indicative of fluid overload or heart failure. While TPN can contribute to fluid overload if not managed properly, the immediate concern with the cessation of TPN is the lack of glucose and potential hypoglycemia, not fluid overload.

D. Fever and chills:
Fever and chills are generally signs of an infection, such as sepsis. While infections can be a complication of TPN due to the intravenous route of administration, they are not directly related to the sudden stopping of TPN. The primary concern when TPN stops unexpectedly is the risk of hypoglycemia due to the cessation of glucose infusion.

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