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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A: Notify the healthcare provider immediately to obtain a blood transfusion order – This is the priority action because the client’s hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL, along with symptoms of hypoxia, indicates a need for urgent medical intervention. Obtaining an order for a transfusion is crucial for addressing the underlying issue of low hemoglobin and associated hypoxia.
B: Administer supplemental oxygen to the client to improve oxygenation – While this action is important, it is not the first step. The low hemoglobin indicates a need for a transfusion, and notifying the provider can lead to quicker treatment.
C: Initiating IV access with a large-bore catheter is an important step in preparation for a possible blood transfusion, but it is not the first action. The client's current symptoms must be managed promptly.
D: Ambulation may be contraindicated post-major surgery, especially when the client is symptomatic. It could exacerbate the client's condition and is not the immediate priority in this scenario.

A. Administering antipyretics to reduce fever. B. Preparing to administer a diuretic to manage fluid overload. C. Monitoring the client's vital signs frequently. D. Administering epinephrine to counteract an allergic reaction.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect: Administering antipyretics to reduce fever is not the appropriate intervention for an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. This type of reaction involves the destruction of red blood cells, not an elevation in body temperature.

B) Incorrect: Preparing to administer a diuretic is not the appropriate intervention for an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. Fluid overload is not a typical feature of this type of reaction.

C) Correct: Monitoring the client's vital signs frequently is a crucial intervention for an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. This type of reaction can cause rapid onset of severe symptoms, including fever, chills, hypotension, tachycardia, and potential shock.

D) Incorrect: Administering epinephrine is not the appropriate intervention for an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. Epinephrine is used to treat anaphylactic reactions, not hemolytic reactions.

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A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which action should the nurse take before initiating the transfusion?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has undergone major surgery and has a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL. The client is experiencing symptoms of hypoxia, including tachycardia and shortness of breath. The nurse suspects the need for a blood transfusion. What action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who experiences an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. What intervention should the nurse anticipate implementing?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer a platelet transfusion to a client with severe thrombocytopenia. The nurse should:

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A nurse is preparing to crossmatch blood for a client who requires a blood transfusion. Which blood component is involved in the crossmatching process?

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A nurse is assessing a client's history before a blood transfusion. Which condition should the nurse identify as a contraindication for transfusion?

A nurse is preparing to administer a blood component to a client. Which blood component is responsible for promoting clot formation and controlling bleeding?

A nurse is assessing a client who just received a blood transfusion. The client complains of back pain, fever, and chills. What action should the nurse take first?