A nurse is caring for a client who has undergone major surgery and has a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL. The client is experiencing symptoms of hypoxia, including tachycardia and shortness of breath. The nurse suspects the need for a blood transfusion. What action should the nurse take first?

Notify the healthcare provider immediately to obtain a blood transfusion order.

Administer supplemental oxygen to the client to improve oxygenation.

Initiate intravenous access with a large-bore catheter for possible transfusion.

Encourage the client to ambulate to improve blood circulation.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A: Notify the healthcare provider immediately to obtain a blood transfusion order – This is the priority action because the client’s hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL, along with symptoms of hypoxia, indicates a need for urgent medical intervention. Obtaining an order for a transfusion is crucial for addressing the underlying issue of low hemoglobin and associated hypoxia.
B: Administer supplemental oxygen to the client to improve oxygenation – While this action is important, it is not the first step. The low hemoglobin indicates a need for a transfusion, and notifying the provider can lead to quicker treatment.
C: Initiating IV access with a large-bore catheter is an important step in preparation for a possible blood transfusion, but it is not the first action. The client's current symptoms must be managed promptly.
D: Ambulation may be contraindicated post-major surgery, especially when the client is symptomatic. It could exacerbate the client's condition and is not the immediate priority in this scenario.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Incorrect: Obtaining a signed informed consent is an essential step before administering a blood transfusion, but it is not the priority action for preventing a potential complication related to blood compatibility. The nurse should first confirm the client's blood type and Rh factor.

B) Correct: The nurse's priority action is to confirm the client's blood type and Rh factor with two unique identifiers to ensure compatibility between the client and the blood product. This step is crucial for preventing transfusion reactions due to ABO and Rh incompatibility.

C) Incorrect: Ensuring that the blood product is properly labeled and has not expired is important for patient safety but is not the priority action before administering a blood transfusion. The nurse should first confirm the client's blood type and Rh factor.

D) Incorrect: Assessing the client's vital signs and baseline laboratory values is essential, but it is not the priority action for preventing a potential complication related to blood compatibility. The nurse should first confirm the client's blood type and Rh factor.

A. Infuse the platelets slowly over 4 hours. B. Use a standard IV infusion set for administration. C. Verify compatibility with the client's blood type. D. Warm the platelets to room temperature before infusion.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Platelets should be infused rapidly, typically over 30 to 60 minutes, to prevent clotting and ensure effectiveness.
B. A specialized platelet administration set with a filter should be used, not a standard IV infusion set.
C. Although ABO compatibility is less critical for platelets than for red blood cell transfusions, compatibility should still be verified to reduce the risk of reactions.
D. Platelets should not be warmed; they should be stored at room temperature and gently agitated to prevent clumping.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has undergone major surgery and has a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL. The client is experiencing symptoms of hypoxia, including tachycardia and shortness of breath. The nurse suspects the need for a blood transfusion. What action should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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A nurse is caring for a client who has undergone major surgery and has a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL. The client is experiencing symptoms of hypoxia, including tachycardia and shortness of breath. The nurse suspects the need for a blood transfusion. What action should the nurse take first?