A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for 1 unit of packed RBCs. Five minutes after beginning the transfusion, the client becomes febrile with chills. After stopping the transfusion, which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer epinephrine subcutaneously.
Place the blood bag in a biohazard bag before discarding.
Document the reaction in the medical record.
Infuse 500 ml lactated Ringer's IV.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Administer epinephrine subcutaneously. This is not the necessary action to be taken. Epinephrine is used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). However, in this case, the client is experiencing a febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reaction, not an allergic reaction.
Choice B reason:
Place the blood bag in a biohazard bag before discarding. This is not the necessary action to be taken by the nurse. Proper disposal of biohazardous materials is essential, but in this situation, the nurse's priority is to address the client's condition and not the disposal of the blood bag.
Choice C reason:
Documentation of the transfusion reaction is crucial for the client's medical history and for future reference. The nurse should record the client's signs and symptoms, the actions taken, and any other relevant information related to the reaction.
Choice D reason
Infuse 500 ml lactated Ringer's IV.This is not necessary action to be taken by the nurse because there is no indication for infusing lactated Ringer's solution in response to the transfusion reaction described. Treatment for febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reactions generally involves stopping the transfusion, administering antipyretics (like acetaminophen) if necessary, and providing supportive care as needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypoxemia is a condition of low oxygen levels in the blood. PEEP can actually improve oxygenation by preventing alveolar collapse and increasing functional residual capacity.
B. Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition of air accumulation in the pleural space that causes increased intrathoracic pressure and compresses the lungs, heart, and great vessels. PEEP can increase the risk of tension pneumothorax by creating excessive positive pressure in the airways and alveoli.
C. Malignant hypertension is a severe form of high blood pressure that can cause organ damage and stroke. PEEP can cause a transient increase in blood pressure due to increased intrathoracic pressure, but it does not cause malignant hypertension.
D. Atelectasis is a condition of partial or complete lung collapse due to alveolar collapse or obstruction. PEEP can prevent or treat atelectasis by maintaining positive pressure in the airways and alveoli.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason
Re-evaluate the client for an ET cuff leak is not appropriate. While an ET cuff leak could contribute to respiratory distress, the immediate concern is the high-pressure alarm, which indicates increased resistance to airflow. The nurse should address the alarm first and then assess for other potential causes, including an ET cuff leak.
Choice B reason:
Option B: Assess for disconnected tubing is not appropriate. A disconnected tubing is also a potential cause of the high-pressure alarm. However, before checking for disconnected tubing, the nurse should first deliver manual breaths with a resuscitation bag to provide the client with adequate ventilation.
Choice C reason:
Decrease the ventilator flow rate is not appropriate. Decreasing the ventilator flow rate might not be the appropriate action in this situation, as the high-pressure alarm indicates increased resistance, which might require increased flow to overcome. Additionally, the nurse should not delay taking immediate action by adjusting ventilator settings without knowing the specific cause of the high-pressure alarm.
Choice D reason:
When the high-pressure alarm is beeping, and the client is experiencing respiratory distress, it indicates that there is an increased resistance to airflow within the ventilator circuit or the client's airway. This can be a life-threatening situation, and immediate action is required.
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