A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving a unit of packed red blood cells (RBCs) following surgery. Which of the following assessments is an indication that the client might be experiencing circulatory overload?

Choice A reason: Distended neck veins is not a manifestation of acute hemolytic reaction, but it may indicate fluid overload, which is another possible complication of blood transfusion. Fluid overload may occur when the blood volume or rate of infusion exceeds the client's circulatory capacity. Fluid overload may manifest as dyspnea, crackles, edema, hypertension, or tachycardia.

Choice B reason: Client report of low back pain is a manifestation of acute hemolytic reaction, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the donor blood is incompatible with the recipient's blood. Acute hemolytic reaction may occur within minutes or hours of the transfusion and may cause the destruction of the transfused red blood cells. Acute hemolytic reaction may manifest as fever, chills, low back pain, hemoglobinuria, hypotension, or shock.

Choice C reason: A productive cough is not a manifestation of acute hemolytic reaction, but it may indicate a respiratory infection, which is a potential risk of blood transfusion. Blood transfusion may transmit infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites, from the donor to the recipient. A productive cough may also be a sign of pulmonary edema, which may result from fluid overload or transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI).

Choice D reason: Client report of tinnitus is not a manifestation of acute hemolytic reaction, but it may indicate ototoxicity, which is a possible adverse effect of some medications, such as aminoglycosides, loop diuretics, or salicylates. Ototoxicity may damage the inner ear or the auditory nerve and cause hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo. The nurse should assess the client's medication history and monitor the client's hearing function.

Choice A reason: Weighing the client is not a necessary action before administering digoxin, as it does not affect the dosage or effectiveness of the medication. Weighing the client may be important for monitoring fluid balance and edema, but it is not related to digoxin therapy.

Choice B reason: Measuring the client's blood pressure is not a necessary action before administering digoxin, as it does not affect the dosage or effectiveness of the medication. Digoxin is not a blood pressure-lowering medication, but a cardiac glycoside that increases the contractility and efficiency of the heart. Measuring the blood pressure may be important for monitoring hypertension, but it is not related to digoxin therapy.

Choice C reason: Measuring the client's apical pulse is a necessary action before administering digoxin, as it can help determine the safety and appropriateness of the medication. Digoxin can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a side effect, which can be dangerous and symptomatic. The nurse should check the apical pulse for one full minute and withhold the medication if the pulse is below 60 beats per minute or above 100 beats per minute. The nurse should also report any abnormal or irregular rhythms to the provider.

Choice D reason: Offering the client a light snack is not a necessary action before administering digoxin, as it does not affect the absorption or effectiveness of the medication. Digoxin can be taken with or without food. Offering the client a light snack may be important for maintaining nutrition and hydration, but it is not related to digoxin therapy.