A nurse is caring for a patient receiving IV therapy in the left forearm and notices that the site is red, swollen, and warm.
What action should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

This response is dismissive of the patient's pain and does not offer any assistance. It also does not acknowledge the patient's concerns about their pain being a normal part of aging.

It's important to validate the patient's experience and offer support, even if the pain level is not severe.

This response could lead to the patient feeling unheard and unsupported, and it could potentially delay necessary treatment.

Choice B rationale:

This response suggests that the patient's pain is not significant enough to warrant treatment unless it worsens. This is not appropriate, as pain is subjective and should be treated based on the patient's individual experience.

Additionally, this response reinforces the patient's belief that pain is a normal part of aging, which may prevent them from seeking treatment in the future.

Choice C rationale:

This response is the best option because it acknowledges the patient's pain, expresses concern, and suggests further investigation.

It is important to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the pain.

This response also demonstrates to the patient that the nurse is taking their pain seriously and is committed to helping them manage it.

Choice D rationale:

This response acknowledges that pain can be a part of aging, but it also suggests that there may be a specific cause for the patient's pain.

This could lead to the patient feeling anxious or worried about their health.

It is important to investigate the cause of the pain before making any assumptions.

Rationale for Choice A: Obtain vital signs

While obtaining vital signs is important in assessing a patient's overall condition, it is not the first priority in a suspected transfusion reaction.

Vital signs can provide valuable information about the severity of the reaction, but they should not delay the immediate action of stopping the transfusion.

Delaying the cessation of the transfusion could allow for further infusion of incompatible blood or allergens, potentially worsening the reaction and leading to more serious complications.

Rationale for Choice B: Notify the registered nurse

Involving other healthcare professionals is crucial in managing transfusion reactions, but it should not precede stopping the transfusion.

The nurse should prioritize stopping the transfusion to prevent further exposure to potential triggers and then promptly notify the registered nurse for further assessment and interventions.

Timely communication with the registered nurse is essential for coordinating care and ensuring appropriate treatment measures are implemented.

Rationale for Choice C: Administer diphenhydramine

Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, can be used to treat allergic reactions, but it should not be administered as the first response in this scenario.

The priority is to halt the infusion of the blood product that is potentially causing the reaction.

Administering diphenhydramine before stopping the transfusion could mask the symptoms of the reaction, making it more difficult to assess its severity and progression.

Rationale for Choice D: Stop the transfusion

This is the correct and most immediate action to take when a patient develops itching and hives during a blood transfusion.

These symptoms are indicative of a possible allergic or transfusion reaction, and stopping the transfusion is essential to prevent further complications.

It's critical to act quickly to minimize the amount of incompatible blood or allergens that enter the patient's circulation.

By stopping the transfusion, the nurse can potentially prevent the reaction from worsening and safeguard the patient's well- being.