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?

A) Incorrect: Administering a bolus of normal saline may help increase intravascular volume, but it is not the first intervention to be implemented. The nurse should first identify the cause of the client's symptoms and take appropriate actions.

B) Correct: The client's symptoms of feeling lightheaded and dizzy, along with a drop in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate, suggest orthostatic hypotension. The nurse's first intervention should be to elevate the client's feet and lower the head to improve blood flow to the brain.

C) Incorrect: Checking the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is essential but may not be the first intervention in this situation. The client's symptoms indicate an immediate need to address the orthostatic hypotension.

D) Incorrect: Notifying the healthcare provider for further evaluation is important, but it may not be the first intervention. The nurse should first take immediate actions to address the client's symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

Questions

A) Correct: Red blood cells are the main blood component involved in the crossmatching process. Crossmatching ensures compatibility between the donor's red blood cells and the recipient's plasma, preventing adverse reactions during the transfusion.

B) Incorrect: White blood cells are not part of the crossmatching process. They play a role in the immune response but are not specifically assessed during crossmatching.

C) Incorrect: Platelets are not directly involved in the crossmatching process. Crossmatching primarily focuses on red blood cell compatibility.

D) Incorrect: Plasma is not directly involved in the crossmatching process. The focus is on ensuring compatibility between red blood cells and the recipient's plasma.