A nurse is planning care for a client who is scheduled to receive a transfusion of packed RBCs.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Store the unit of blood at room temperature for 1 hr prior to the infusion.
Ensure that the transfusion is completed within 6 hr.
Obtain venous access using a 22-gauge needle.
Use a solution of 0.9% sodium chloride to flush the transfusion tubing.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is D. Use a solution of 0.9% sodium chloride to flush the transfusion tubing.
Choice A reason: Storing a unit of blood at room temperature for 1 hour prior to the infusion is not recommended. Blood products should be kept refrigerated until just before the transfusion to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. The recommended storage temperature for packed RBCs is 1-6°C. If blood is left at room temperature, it should be infused within 30 minutes to ensure safety.
Choice B reason: Ensuring that the transfusion is completed within 6 hours is not correct. The standard practice is to complete a blood transfusion over 2 to 4 hours, depending on the volume and the patient’s condition. This is to reduce the risk of bacterial growth and transfusion reactions. Prolonging the transfusion time beyond 4 hours increases the risk of bacterial contamination and can compromise the efficacy of the transfused red blood cells.
Choice C reason: Obtaining venous access using a 22-gauge needle is not ideal for a transfusion of packed RBCs. A larger bore needle, typically an 18-gauge or 20-gauge, is preferred to ensure adequate flow of the viscous packed RBCs and to prevent hemolysis. The smaller the gauge number, the larger the needle diameter, so a 22-gauge needle might be too small and could damage the red blood cells during the transfusion.
Choice D reason: Using a solution of 0.9% sodium chloride to flush the transfusion tubing is the correct action. Normal saline is isotonic and is the only fluid compatible with packed RBCs. It is used to prime the transfusion set and to flush the line before and after the transfusion to prevent hemolysis and clotting within the tubing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B,C"},"B":{"answers":"A,B,C"},"C":{"answers":"A,B,C"},"D":{"answers":"A,B,C"}}
No explanation
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Expressing concern about another shift's holiday hours does not necessarily involve interpersonal conflict. It may reflect dissatisfaction but doesn't involve direct conflict between individuals.
Choice B rationale:
A personal difficulty with caring for clients who have HIV could be a challenge for the nurse, but it's not an example of interpersonal conflict. It represents a personal struggle rather than a conflict with another individual.
Choice C rationale:
Insulting comments directed at a nurse by another nurse represent interpersonal conflict. Such behavior involves a direct clash of personalities and can create a hostile work environment, affecting the nurse's well-being and job performance. Addressing this type of conflict is crucial for maintaining a positive work atmosphere.
Choice D rationale:
Submitting a complaint about another department's handoff reporting might indicate dissatisfaction or concerns about workflow, but it's not necessarily an interpersonal conflict. It could be a communication issue or a difference in professional opinion rather than a direct clash between individuals.
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