A nurse is monitoring a client who just received a blood transfusion. The client suddenly develops dyspnea, tachycardia, and chest pain. What is the nurse's priority action?
Elevate the head of the bed to promote lung expansion.
Administer diuretics to manage fluid overload.
Stop the transfusion immediately and notify the healthcare provider.
Document the client's symptoms and continue the transfusion at a slower rate.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Incorrect: Elevating the head of the bed may help promote lung expansion, but it is not the nurse's priority action when the client is experiencing severe symptoms like dyspnea, tachycardia, and chest pain during a transfusion.
B) Incorrect: Administering diuretics is not the appropriate action for the client's symptoms, which suggest a possible transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) or acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. Diuretics will not address the underlying cause.
C) Correct: The client's symptoms of dyspnea, tachycardia, and chest pain indicate a potential severe transfusion reaction. The nurse's priority action is to stop the transfusion immediately and notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.
D) Incorrect: Continuing the transfusion at a slower rate is not appropriate when the client is experiencing severe symptoms. The nurse should first stop the transfusion and then notify the healthcare provider.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect: Mild itching on the client's forearms is a common and expected side effect of a blood transfusion and may not require immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.
B) Incorrect: Mild lower back pain that subsides is not a significant finding and may not require immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.
C) Correct: An increase in blood pressure by 10 mmHg from the client's baseline may indicate a potential transfusion reaction or fluid overload. The nurse should report this finding to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.
D) Incorrect: An increase in hemoglobin level by 2 g/dL after the transfusion is a positive outcome, indicating a successful transfusion. There is no need to report this finding to the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect: A mild headache is a common and expected side effect of a blood transfusion and may not require immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.
B) Correct: A slightly elevated temperature in a client who received a blood transfusion 2 hours ago could indicate a delayed transfusion reaction. The nurse should report this finding to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.
C) Incorrect: Pale and cool skin may be an expected finding in a client who received a blood transfusion, especially if they experienced a rapid transfusion or had a reaction. However, it is not the priority finding to report.
D) Incorrect: Generalized muscle weakness may occur for various reasons and may not be directly related to a delayed transfusion reaction. The nurse should prioritize reporting the slightly elevated temperature.
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