A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving a unit of packed RBCs following surgery. Which of the following assessments is an indication that the client might be experiencing a hemolytic reaction?
Vomiting
Flushing
Dyspnea
Hypotension
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Vomiting is not a specific sign of a hemolytic reaction, as it can be caused by many other factors, such as anesthesia, infection, or medication. Vomiting may occur in other types of transfusion reactions, such as allergic or febrile reactions, but it is not indicative of hemolysis.
Choice B reason: Flushing is not a specific sign of a hemolytic reaction, as it can be caused by many other factors, such as fever, infection, or medication. Flushing may occur in other types of transfusion reactions, such as allergic or febrile reactions, but it is not indicative of hemolysis.
Choice C reason: Dyspnea is often linked with transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) or transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). Both of these conditions primarily impact the respiratory system, leading to difficulty breathing. Although respiratory symptoms can accompany severe reactions, dyspnea is not a key feature of a hemolytic reaction.
Choice D reason: Hypotension is a significant indicator of an acute hemolytic reaction. When the recipient’s immune system attacks the donor red blood cells, widespread inflammatory and immune responses occur, leading to vascular collapse. This can manifest as sudden low blood pressure, which is life-threatening if not recognized and treated immediately. Alongside other findings such as fever, chills, flank pain, and hemoglobinuria, hypotension is a classic hallmark of hemolysis during transfusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Taking this medication with food is not necessary, as lisinopril can be taken with or without food. Food does not affect the absorption or effectiveness of lisinopril.
Choice B reason: Facial swelling is not an expected effect of this medication, but a serious adverse reaction that indicates angioedema. Angioedema is a life-threatening condition that causes swelling of the face, tongue, throat, and airway. It requires immediate medical attention and discontinuation of lisinopril.
Choice C reason: Reporting a cough to the provider is an important instruction, as a cough is a common and annoying side effect of lisinopril. Lisinopril belongs to the class of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which can cause a dry, persistent, nonproductive cough. The cough may interfere with the client's quality of life and adherence to the medication. The provider may prescribe an alternative medication, such as an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), to avoid the cough.
Choice D reason: Increasing the intake of potassium-rich foods is not advisable, as lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) due to decreased potassium excretion in the urine. Clients should monitor their potassium levels and avoid excessive intake of potassium supplements or foods, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Atropine is not the correct answer, as it is an anticholinergic medication that is used to treat bradycardia, not warfarin overdose. Atropine has no effect on the INR or the coagulation cascade.
Choice B reason: Epinephrine is not the correct answer, as it is a catecholamine medication that is used to treat anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, or severe hypotension, not warfarin overdose. Epinephrine has no effect on the INR or the coagulation cascade.
Choice C reason: Vitamin K is the correct answer, as it is the antidote for warfarin overdose. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. Vitamin K can reverse the effects of warfarin and lower the INR to a therapeutic range.
Choice D reason: Protamine is not the correct answer, as it is the antidote for heparin overdose, not warfarin overdose. Protamine is a protein that binds to and neutralizes heparin, but has no effect on warfarin or the INR.
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