A nurse is educating a patient about blood transfusion alternatives.
Which alternative to blood transfusion may be considered for patients with symptomatic anemia and ongoing bleeding?

"I'll stay with the patient for the entire transfusion."

Choice A rationale:

Staying with the patient for the entire transfusion is a crucial safety measure.

The nurse must monitor the patient for any signs of a transfusion reaction, such as fever, chills, rash, shortness of breath, or changes in vital signs.

Immediate intervention may be required if a reaction occurs.

Choice B rationale:

Adding medications to the blood bag is not within the nurse's scope of practice and should not be done without a specific physician's order.

Medications should be administered separately through a different IV line, if necessary, and only as ordered.

Choice C rationale:

Administering the transfusion at a rate of 4 mL/min is not a standard practice.

The rate of transfusion is determined by the physician's order and the patient's specific needs.

It is not a fixed rate and should be adjusted as needed.

Choice D rationale:

Using any available intravenous line for the transfusion may not be appropriate, especially if the line is already in use for other medications or fluids.

The nurse should select a dedicated line for the transfusion to minimize the risk of contamination or complications.

Allergic reaction.

Choice A rationale:

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) usually presents with acute respiratory distress, not urticaria, pruritus, and flushing.

It is characterized by the sudden onset of dyspnea, hypoxemia, and pulmonary edema.

Choice B rationale:

Bacterial contamination of blood products can lead to sepsis, but the symptoms described in the question (urticaria, pruritus, and flushing) are not indicative of bacterial contamination.

Symptoms of bacterial contamination would typically include fever, chills, and signs of infection.

Choice C rationale:

Febrile nonhemolytic reactions can cause fever, chills, and rigors, but they are not associated with urticaria, pruritus, or flushing.

Choice D rationale:

An allergic reaction, also known as a hypersensitivity reaction, can manifest with symptoms like urticaria (hives), pruritus (itching), and flushing.

These symptoms are indicative of an allergic response to components in the blood product, such as plasma proteins or allergens.