A nurse is preparing to administer diphenhydramine to a client who is to receive a blood transfusion. The nurse should explain that the purpose diphenhydramine is to prevent which of the following manifestations of a transfusion reaction?
Low-back pain
Fever
Dyspnea
Urticaria
The Correct Answer is D
A) Low-back pain:
Low-back pain is not typically associated with transfusion reactions. While certain complications of blood transfusions, such as transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) or hemolytic reactions, can cause back pain, diphenhydramine is not specifically administered to prevent this manifestation.
B) Fever:
Fever can be a manifestation of various transfusion reactions, including febrile non-hemolytic reactions or bacterial contamination of blood products. However, diphenhydramine is not typically administered to prevent fever associated with transfusion reactions. Instead, measures such as leukoreduction of blood products or premedication with acetaminophen may be used to reduce the risk of febrile reactions.
C) Dyspnea:
Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can occur in severe transfusion reactions such as transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) or anaphylaxis. While diphenhydramine may be part of the treatment for anaphylaxis, it is not specifically administered to prevent dyspnea associated with transfusion reactions.
D) Urticaria.
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a common manifestation of an allergic transfusion reaction. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine medication that can help prevent or alleviate allergic reactions, including urticaria, by blocking the action of histamine, a substance released during allergic reactions. Administering diphenhydramine before a blood transfusion is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of allergic transfusion reactions, including urticaria.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Antihistamines:
Antihistamines are commonly used in the treatment of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, which is released during an allergic reaction, and can help alleviate symptoms such as itching, hives, and nasal congestion. Antihistamines are typically included in the treatment regimen for anaphylaxis but should not be relied upon as the sole treatment.
B) Vasodilators.
Vasodilators are medications that widen blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. In the context of anaphylaxis, where blood pressure can drop precipitously due to systemic vasodilation, the use of vasodilators can exacerbate hypotension, potentially worsening the patient's condition. Therefore, vasodilators should be avoided in the management of anaphylaxis.
C) Corticosteroids:
Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone, are used in the management of anaphylaxis to reduce inflammation and prevent late-phase allergic reactions. They are not typically used as first-line treatment during the acute phase of anaphylaxis but may be administered after initial stabilization to prevent recurrence of symptoms.
D) Bronchodilators:
Bronchodilators, such as albuterol, are used to relieve bronchospasm and improve airflow in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While bronchospasm can occur during anaphylaxis, bronchodilators may still be used to address this symptom. However, they should be used cautiously, and their administration should not delay the administration of epinephrine, which is the primary treatment for anaphylaxis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hypotension: Norepinephrine is administered to treat hypotension, so monitoring for hypotension is not typically a concern while the patient is receiving this medication. In fact, hypotension is often the reason for administering norepinephrine in the first place.
B. Liver failure: Monitoring for signs of liver failure may be important in patients receiving certain medications, but it is not a specific consideration when administering norepinephrine. Norepinephrine primarily affects blood pressure regulation and does not typically have direct effects on liver function.
C. Bradycardia: While norepinephrine can increase blood pressure by constricting blood vessels, it may also cause reflex bradycardia (a decrease in heart rate) as a compensatory response. However, the primary concern with norepinephrine administration is hypertension, not bradycardia.
D. Hypertension
Norepinephrine (Levophed) is a vasopressor medication commonly used to treat hypotension and shock. It works by constricting blood vessels, which increases blood pressure. Therefore, when administering norepinephrine, the nurse should monitor the patient for hypertension, as the medication's intended effect is to raise blood pressure.
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