A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving a unit of packed red blood cells. Fifteen minutes following the start of the transfusion, the nurse notes that the patient is febrile, with chills and red-tinged urine. Which of the following transfusion reactions should the nurse suspect?
Allergic
Hemolytic
Acute pain
Febrile
The Correct Answer is B
A. Allergic – An allergic reaction typically presents with itching, rash, and wheezing rather than fever, chills, and hematuria.
B. Hemolytic – Correct Answer. A hemolytic reaction occurs when the immune system attacks transfused red blood cells due to incompatibility. Symptoms include fever, chills, hypotension, back pain, and hematuria (red-tinged urine). This is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
C. Acute pain – Acute pain transfusion reaction is rare and mainly presents with severe chest, back, and joint pain, without fever or hematuria.
D. Febrile – Febrile reactions cause fever and chills but do not typically cause hematuria, which is indicative of hemolysis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Give potassium intravenously. – The potassium level is 3.7 (within normal range 3.5–5.0), so potassium is not needed yet.
B. Administer D5 NS with the insulin drip. – Correct Answer. Once glucose drops to ≤200 mg/dL, dextrose is added to prevent hypoglycemia while continuing insulin to correct ketoacidosis.
C. Administer 3% NS at 200 mL/hr. – Hypertonic saline is used for severe hyponatremia, which is not the case here.
D. Expect the insulin drip to be discontinued. – The insulin drip is not discontinued until ketoacidosis has fully resolved (when HCO3 > 18, pH > 7.3, and anion gap normalizes).
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Alert and oriented, blood and urine without ketones, no orthostatic blood pressure changes – These findings indicate improved hydration, resolution of hyperosmolarity, and recovery of neurological function, key markers of HHS improvement.
B. Alert and oriented, balanced intake and output, moist mucous membranes – While improved hydration is good, ketone clearance and hemodynamic stability are more important indicators.
C. Respirations easy and unlabored, eats 50-75% of meals, vital signs stable – Respiratory status is not the primary concern in HHS.
D. Equal intake and output, denies pain or shortness of breath – These signs do not specifically indicate resolution of HHS.
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