A nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client who asks about the use of warfarin.
The nurse should identify which of the following findings as a contraindication for the administration of this medication?

Choice A rationale:

Wearing clothing with zippers instead of buttons does not address the safety concerns related to Alzheimer's disease. This choice does not ensure the client's safety or prevent wandering, which are common issues in Alzheimer's patients.

Choice B rationale:

Placing locks at the tops of exterior doors is essential for the safety of clients with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's patients often have a tendency to wander and may become disoriented, putting them at risk of getting lost or injured outside the home. Proper locks can prevent them from leaving the house unsupervised.

Choice C rationale:

Replacing the carpet with hardwood floors may reduce the risk of falls but does not specifically address the safety concerns related to Alzheimer's disease. It is important to focus on measures that prevent wandering and ensure the client's safety in various situations.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging physical activity prior to bedtime is a good practice for promoting sleep in older adults but does not directly address the safety concerns of Alzheimer's patients. Safety measures, such as securing doors, supervising the client, and preventing wandering, are more crucial in this context.

The correct answer is D. Use a solution of 0.9% sodium chloride to flush the transfusion tubing.

Choice A reason: Storing a unit of blood at room temperature for 1 hour prior to the infusion is not recommended. Blood products should be kept refrigerated until just before the transfusion to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. The recommended storage temperature for packed RBCs is 1-6°C. If blood is left at room temperature, it should be infused within 30 minutes to ensure safety.

Choice B reason: Ensuring that the transfusion is completed within 6 hours is not correct. The standard practice is to complete a blood transfusion over 2 to 4 hours, depending on the volume and the patient’s condition. This is to reduce the risk of bacterial growth and transfusion reactions. Prolonging the transfusion time beyond 4 hours increases the risk of bacterial contamination and can compromise the efficacy of the transfused red blood cells.

Choice C reason: Obtaining venous access using a 22-gauge needle is not ideal for a transfusion of packed RBCs. A larger bore needle, typically an 18-gauge or 20-gauge, is preferred to ensure adequate flow of the viscous packed RBCs and to prevent hemolysis. The smaller the gauge number, the larger the needle diameter, so a 22-gauge needle might be too small and could damage the red blood cells during the transfusion.

Choice D reason: Using a solution of 0.9% sodium chloride to flush the transfusion tubing is the correct action. Normal saline is isotonic and is the only fluid compatible with packed RBCs. It is used to prime the transfusion set and to flush the line before and after the transfusion to prevent hemolysis and clotting within the tubing.