A nurse is caring for a patient who refuses a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs.
What alternative option can the nurse suggest to reduce the risk of incompatibility, infection, and immunologic reaction?
"I recommend autologous transfusion, where you donate your own blood before surgery and receive it back during or after the procedure.”
"You should consider erythropoietin therapy, as it stimulates red blood cell production and reduces the need for transfusion.”
"Iron therapy can help increase your hemoglobin levels and reduce the need for transfusion; it's available orally or intravenously.”
"You may benefit from hemostatic agents, which promote clotting and stop bleeding when needed.”
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Autologous transfusion involves collecting and storing the patient's blood before a planned surgery or procedure, eliminating the risk of incompatibility, infection, and immunologic reactions associated with allogeneic (donor) blood transfusions.
This option aligns with the patient's religious beliefs and offers a safe alternative.
Choice B rationale:
Erythropoietin therapy stimulates red blood cell production but does not eliminate the need for transfusion entirely.
It may not align with the patient's refusal of blood products due to religious beliefs.
Choice C rationale:
Iron therapy can increase hemoglobin levels but may not completely eliminate the need for transfusion.
It also may not be a suitable alternative for the patient's specific condition.
Choice D rationale:
Hemostatic agents are not a substitute for blood transfusion.
They are used to control bleeding but do not address anemia or increase hemoglobin levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"I'm feeling weak and dizzy." Rationale: Weakness and dizziness can be symptoms of anemia, which is often associated with low hemoglobin levels.
However, these symptoms alone are not a definitive indication for blood transfusion.
Other factors, such as the patient's overall clinical condition and the cause of the low hemoglobin, need to be considered.
Choice B rationale:
"My hemoglobin is 7 g/dL, so I need a transfusion." Rationale: This statement indicates that the patient is aware of their low hemoglobin level and believes they need a transfusion.
The hemoglobin level of 7 g/dL is a common threshold used as an indication for blood transfusion, especially in symptomatic patients.
This choice is correct because it aligns with the appropriate clinical indication for a transfusion based on the hemoglobin level.
Choice C rationale:
"I had orthopedic surgery yesterday." Rationale: While surgery can lead to blood loss, the statement alone does not provide sufficient information to determine if a transfusion is necessary.
The decision to transfuse blood should be based on the patient's hemoglobin level, overall clinical condition, and the extent of blood loss during surgery.
Choice D rationale:
"I have a stable cardiovascular disease." Rationale: The presence of stable cardiovascular disease is not directly related to the need for a blood transfusion based on a hemoglobin level of 7 g/dL.
The decision to transfuse should primarily be based on the patient's hemoglobin level and symptoms.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Whole blood.
Rationale: Whole blood contains all blood components, including red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and clotting factors.
It is used for patients with symptomatic anemia and ongoing bleeding, as it can address both the anemia and provide clotting factors to assist in hemostasis.
Choice B rationale:
Packed red blood cells (PRBCs)
Rationale: Packed red blood cells are primarily used to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity in patients with anemia or significant blood loss.
While they can address the anemia component of the patient's condition, they do not provide clotting factors.
Therefore, they may not be the best choice for patients with ongoing bleeding.
Choice C rationale:
Fresh frozen plasma (FFP)
Rationale: Fresh frozen plasma is rich in clotting factors and is used to treat bleeding disorders or clotting factor deficiencies.
It can be beneficial for patients with bleeding issues but does not address the anemia component of the patient's condition.
Choice D rationale:
Platelets.
Rationale: Platelets are responsible for clot formation and are primarily used to treat thrombocytopenia or clotting disorders.
They do not address the anemia component of the patient's condition and are not typically considered an alternative to blood transfusion for anemic patients with ongoing bleeding.
ABO and Rh Blood Group Systems:
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.