A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which action should the nurse take before initiating the transfusion?
Confirm the client's identity and blood type with the client's family member.
Obtain informed consent from the client and ensure the client has a signed consent form.
Warm the blood unit to body temperature in a microwave oven to prevent hypothermia.
Administer a rapid bolus of normal saline to prime the client's veins.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Incorrect: Confirming the client's identity and blood type with the client's family member is not a reliable method for ensuring patient safety during a blood transfusion. The nurse should directly verify the client's identity and blood type with two unique identifiers, such as asking the client to state their full name and date of birth and comparing it to their identification band.
B) Correct: Obtaining informed consent from the client is a crucial step before initiating a blood transfusion. The nurse must ensure the client understands the risks and benefits of the transfusion and has willingly provided consent. A signed consent form is the formal documentation of this process.
C) Incorrect: Warming blood in a microwave oven is not an appropriate method for preventing hypothermia and can lead to hemolysis of the blood components. Blood should be warmed using an approved blood warmer designed for this purpose.
D) Incorrect: Administering a rapid bolus of normal saline is unnecessary and could lead to fluid overload in the client. The nurse should administer normal saline or another appropriate IV fluid at the prescribed rate if the client requires hydration before or after the transfusion, but not as a priming method.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct: The nurse should verify the client's identity and blood type with two unique identifiers, such as asking the client to state their full name and date of birth and comparing it to their identification band. This step ensures that the correct blood product is administered to the right client, promoting safety.
B) Incorrect: Confirming the expiration date of the blood product is important but not the first step in ensuring client safety during a blood transfusion. The nurse should first verify the client's identity and blood type.
C) Incorrect: Assessing the client's vital signs is essential, but it is not the first action to be taken. Verifying the client's identity and blood type is the priority before starting the transfusion.
D) Incorrect: Obtaining informed consent from the client is crucial but not the first action to be taken. The nurse should first verify the client's identity and blood type before seeking consent for the transfusion.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect: Administering a bolus of normal saline may help increase intravascular volume, but it is not the first intervention to be implemented. The nurse should first identify the cause of the client's symptoms and take appropriate actions.
B) Correct: The client's symptoms of feeling lightheaded and dizzy, along with a drop in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate, suggest orthostatic hypotension. The nurse's first intervention should be to elevate the client's feet and lower the head to improve blood flow to the brain.
C) Incorrect: Checking the client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is essential but may not be the first intervention in this situation. The client's symptoms indicate an immediate need to address the orthostatic hypotension.
D) Incorrect: Notifying the healthcare provider for further evaluation is important, but it may not be the first intervention. The nurse should first take immediate actions to address the client's symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.
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