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 C
Explanation
A. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter – Incorrect. While catheterization may be necessary, it is not the highest priority for an unconscious patient.
B. Putting a nasogastric (NG) tube in place – Incorrect. NG tube placement can be useful for feeding or decompressing the stomach, but airway management takes precedence.
C. Maintaining a patent airway – Correct Answer. Airway patency is the top priority in an unconscious patient to prevent aspiration, hypoxia, or respiratory failure.
D. Administering an enema daily – Incorrect. This is not a priority in unconscious patients.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
Answer: The nurse should first address the patient’s oxygen saturation followed by the patient’s hypotension.
Rationale:
1st Priority: Oxygen Saturation → The client’s oxygen saturation has dropped to 88% on room air, which is below the expected range (typically ≥95% in healthy individuals). Hypoxia must be addressed immediately to prevent further complications. The nurse should apply supplemental oxygen and reassess respiratory status.
2nd Priority: Hypotension → The client’s blood pressure has dropped to 94/59 mmHg, which is significantly lower than the earlier reading of 102/76 mmHg. This may contribute to dizziness and syncope. The nurse should monitor for signs of hemodynamic instability, assess for ongoing blood loss (related to heavy menstrual bleeding), and anticipate interventions such as IV fluids or further evaluation for anemia-related hypotension.
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