A nurse is assisting with the care of a postoperative client who is receiving a unit of packed RBCs. Which data should the nurse recognize as an indication of a septic reaction to the blood transfusion?

The correct answer is A:

Choice A reason:

Replace the unit when the drainage chamber is full. This ensures continuous, effective drainage. A full chamber cannot collect more fluid, risking system compromise and patient safety.

Choice B reason:

Pinning the tubing to the bed sheets is incorrect because it can cause kinks in the tubing, leading to obstruction of drainage and potential complications.

Choice C reason:

Monitoring for at least 150 mL of drainage every hour is not a standard practice. Normal chest tube drainage is variable; excessive drainage, such as 150 mL/hour, could indicate a serious condition like hemorrhage.

Choice D reason:

Clamping the tube routinely for 30 minutes every 8 hours is not recommended. Clamping may be done during tube removal or to check for air leaks but doing so routinely can lead to tension pneumothorax.

Choice A: This is incorrect because client status unchanged throughout shift is too vague and does not provide specific details about the client's condition and progress. The nurse should document any changes or interventions that occurred during the shift, such as vital signs, pain level, activity, and drainage.

Choice B: This is correct because abdominal wound dry, without redness is a clear and objective description of the client's wound appearance and healing. The nurse should document any signs of infection or complications, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or purulent drainage.

Choice C: This is incorrect because client received an adequate amount of fluid is too general and does not indicate the exact amount and type of fluid that the client received. The nurse should document the intake and output of the client, including any IV fluids, oral fluids, urine, stool, and drainage.

Choice D: This is incorrect because incision healing well is too subjective and does not reflect the actual assessment of the incision site. The nurse should document the size, color, and condition of the incision, as well as any sutures or staples.