A nurse is planning to administer packed RBCs to an older adult client who has a low hemoglobin level.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Hang the transfusion with dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride.
Infuse the transfusion over 5 hr.
Use a 20-gauge IV catheter to transfuse the blood.
Monitor vital signs every hour throughout the transfusion.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Hanging the transfusion with dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride is incorrect. Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) are transfused with normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) and not with dextrose-containing solutions. Using dextrose can cause the red blood cells to hemolyze.
Choice B rationale:
Infusing the transfusion over 5 hours is incorrect. PRBC transfusions are typically administered over 2-4 hours, not 5 hours. Infusing the blood too slowly may cause the patient discomfort and may also increase the risk of bacterial growth in the blood product.
Choice C rationale:
Using a 20-gauge IV catheter to transfuse the blood is incorrect. While a 20-gauge IV catheter is suitable for most blood transfusions, it may not be appropriate for older adults or patients with fragile veins. A smaller gauge, such as 22 or 24, might be more suitable to prevent phlebitis and ensure a steady flow without damaging the blood cells.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring vital signs every hour throughout the transfusion is the correct action. During a blood transfusion, it's crucial to monitor the patient's vital signs frequently to detect any adverse reactions promptly. Vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, should be assessed before the transfusion, 15 minutes after starting the transfusion, and then hourly thereafter. This vigilant monitoring helps in identifying potential transfusion reactions, such as fever, chills, or hypotension, allowing for immediate intervention if needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should use the client's telephone number or another unique identifier, such as a medical record number or a unique identification code, to confirm the client's identity before administering medication. Using a telephone number or a unique identifier ensures accurate identification of the client and helps prevent medication errors.
Choice B rationale:
Place of birth is not a suitable identifier for confirming a client's identity. It does not provide specific and accurate information about the individual and may not be unique to the client.
Choice C rationale:
Driver license number is not a suitable identifier for confirming a client's identity. It may not be readily available in the healthcare setting, and not all clients have a driver's license. Using this identifier could lead to identification errors.
Choice D rationale:
Room number is not a suitable identifier for confirming a client's identity. Room numbers are not unique to individual clients and can change based on hospital assignments. Relying on room numbers can lead to confusion and medication errors.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should include the statement, "Use a product with DEET on your skin and clothes when you are walking in a wooded area," in the educational program on Lyme disease. DEET is a widely used insect repellent effective against ticks. It is recommended to prevent tick bites in wooded and grassy areas. The rationale behind this choice is to educate the public about practical measures to reduce the risk of Lyme disease. DEET repels ticks, reducing the chances of tick attachment and, consequently, the transmission of Lyme disease.
Choice B rationale:
The statement, "Symptoms of Lyme disease appear 2 days after being bitten by an infected tick," is incorrect. The incubation period for Lyme disease can vary from 3 to 30 days after the tick bite. Symptoms usually appear within 3 to 14 days but can take longer to manifest. Providing inaccurate information can lead to misunderstanding and inadequate preventive measures.
Choice C rationale:
The statement, "Remove embedded ticks by squeezing the body with tweezers," is incorrect. Improper removal of ticks, such as squeezing the body, can lead to the injection of tick fluids into the host, increasing the risk of disease transmission. The correct method for tick removal is to use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. This helps ensure the tick is removed entirely and reduces the risk of infection.
Choice D rationale:
The statement, "If bitten by a tick, testing for Lyme disease should occur within 2 weeks," is incorrect. Testing for Lyme disease immediately after a tick bite is not recommended because it takes time for the body to produce antibodies detectable by the tests. Testing too early can yield false-negative results. Healthcare providers may recommend testing if symptoms develop, but waiting for a few weeks after the bite increases the accuracy of the test results.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise, our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.