A nurse is caring for a client who has acute blood loss following a trauma. The client refuses a blood transfusion that might potentially save their life. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Document the client's refusal in the medical record
Honor the client's decision to refuse the blood transfusion
Explore the client's reasons for refusing the treatment
Discuss the client's refusal with the provider
The Correct Answer is C
Explore the client's reasons for refusing the treatment.
- A. Documenting the client's refusal in the medical record is an important action, but not the first one. The nurse should first try to understand the client's perspective and address any concerns or misconceptions they might have about the blood transfusion. This choice is incorrect.
- B. Honoring the client's decision to refuse the blood transfusion is a respectful and ethical action, but not the first one. The nurse should first attempt to educate and persuade the client about the benefits and risks of the treatment, and respect their autonomy only after ensuring that they have made an informed decision. This choice is incorrect.
- C. Exploring the client's reasons for refusing the treatment is the first action that the nurse should take. The nurse should use effective communication skills to elicit the client's beliefs, values, fears, and preferences regarding the blood transfusion, and provide factual and evidencebased information to address any knowledge gaps or misconceptions. The nurse should also assess the client's decision-making capacity and determine if they are competent to refuse the treatment. This choice is correct.
- D. Discussing the client's refusal with the provider is an appropriate action, but not the first one. The nurse should first try to resolve the issue with the client directly, and involve the provider only if they are unable to do so or if there are legal or ethical implications that require further consultation. This choice is incorrect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
- A. Oliguria. This is incorrect because oliguria, or decreased urine output, is a sign of fluid volume deficit, not fluid volume overload.
- B. Bradycardia. This is incorrect because bradycardia, or slow heart rate, is not a typical sign of fluid volume overload, unless the client has a cardiac condition that affects the heart's response to fluid overload.
- C. Dyspnea. This is correct because dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a common sign of fluid volume overload, as excess fluid accumulates in the lungs and impairs gas exchange.
- D. Poor skin turgor. This is incorrect because poor skin turgor, or decreased elasticity of the skin, is a sign of dehydration, not fluid volume overload.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
- A. Incorrect. The nurse should check the functioning of oxygen equipment daily, not weekly, to ensure safety and proper delivery of oxygen.
- B. Correct. The nurse should instruct the client to wear clothing made with cotton fabrics while oxygen is in use, as synthetic fabrics can generate static electricity and cause sparks that could ignite the oxygen.
- C. Incorrect. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid petroleum-based lubricants, such as Vaseline, as they are flammable and could cause burns if exposed to oxygen. The nurse should recommend water-soluble lubricants, such as K-Y jelly, instead.
- D. Incorrect. The nurse should instruct the client to store full oxygen tanks upright, not on their side, to prevent them from rolling and damaging the valve or regulator.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
