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
- A is correct because delegating non-nursing tasks to ancillary staff allows nurses to focus on more complex and skilled tasks that require their expertise and judgment, thus improving efficiency and quality of care.
- B is incorrect because stocking client rooms with extra supplies increases waste and costs, as well as clutter and infection risk.
- C is incorrect because assigning dedicated equipment to each client's room reduces availability and accessibility of equipment for other clients, as well as increases maintenance and cleaning costs.
- D is incorrect because changing continuous IV infusion tubing every 24 hr is not cost-effective, as it does not reduce the risk of infection significantly compared to changing it every 72 hr, according to current evidence-based practice guidelines.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Firmly massaging the uterine fundus helps promote uterine contraction and reduce postpartum hemorrhage.
B. Providing emotional support helps address the client’s anxiety and distress.
C. Administering oxygen supports tissue perfusion, especially as the client is showing signs of hypovolemic shock.
D. Weighing perineal pads helps quantify blood loss and assess the severity of hemorrhage.
E. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter ensures accurate output measurement and prevents bladder distension, which can interfere with uterine contraction.
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