A nurse is monitoring a client for potential hemorrhage after a medical procedure. Which vital sign change is an early indicator of internal bleeding?

A) Incorrect. While the respiratory rate is an important vital sign to monitor, it does not directly indicate the effectiveness of a blood transfusion.

B) Incorrect. Blood pressure is a critical vital sign, but it is not specific to assessing the effectiveness of a blood transfusion.

C) Incorrect. Urinary output is essential for assessing kidney function and fluid balance, but it does not directly reflect the impact of a blood transfusion.

D) Correct. Monitoring the hemoglobin level is crucial to determine if the blood transfusion has been effective in increasing the client's red blood cell count and improving oxygen-carrying capacity.

A) Incorrect. While a complete blood count (CBC) provides valuable information about the client's red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels, it does not directly confirm the presence of bleeding or assess the clotting function.

B) Incorrect. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a valuable tool for diagnosing various conditions but is not a primary test for confirming the presence of bleeding.

C) Correct. A coagulation panel, which includes prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (PTT), helps assess the clotting function and can aid in confirming the presence of bleeding and identifying coagulation disorders.

D) Incorrect. Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is used to detect hidden blood in stool, which is indicative of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, but it does not confirm internal bleeding in other areas of the body.