A nurse on a postpartum unit is receiving change-of-shift report for 4 clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to see first?

Rationale:

A. The restraint tie strap is tied into a knot: Restraint straps should be secured using a quick-release or slipknot, not a firm knot. A tight knot can delay removal in an emergency and increases the risk of injury to the client.

B. The restraint is attached to the side rails of the bed: Attaching restraints to side rails is unsafe, as moving the rails can apply excess force or cause injury. Restraints should be secured to a stable part of the bed frame to prevent unintentional tightening or injury.

C. The skin under the restraint is cool and has changed color: Changes in skin temperature or color can indicate impaired circulation, a serious complication of improper restraint use. These findings require immediate attention and potential removal of the restraint.

D. The nurse can insert two fingers under the restraint: Being able to insert two fingers ensures the restraint is snug but not too tight, allowing adequate circulation and reducing the risk of skin breakdown. This is a standard guideline for safe restraint application.

Rationale:

• Document the blood product transfusion in the client’s medical record: It is essential to record the transfusion, including time started and ended, vital signs, and any reactions. Documentation ensures traceability, supports patient safety, and meets regulatory and institutional requirements.

• Monitor the client for the first 15 min of the transfusion: The first 15 minutes are the most critical for detecting transfusion reactions, such as fever, chills, rash, or anaphylaxis. Continuous monitoring during this window allows for prompt intervention if adverse symptoms occur.

• Assist with obtaining the first unit of packed RBCs from the blood bank: RNs or authorized personnel can retrieve blood from the blood bank. Proper handling and timely transport of the blood ensure viability and reduce the risk of hemolysis or temperature-related damage.

• Assist with titrating the rate of infusion to maintain the client’s blood pressure at 90/60 mm Hg or above: Titrating transfusion rates based solely on BP is not within nursing protocol unless specifically ordered. Blood products must be infused according to prescription typically over 2 to 4 hours per unit unless a reaction or complication occurs.

• Start an IV bolus of lactated Ringer’s solution: The provider specifically prescribed a 0.9% sodium chloride bolus. Lactated Ringer’s is contraindicated during transfusions because it contains calcium, which can cause clotting when mixed with blood products.

• Discard the blood bag in the client’s trash can after the transfusion: Blood bags must be disposed of in biohazard containers to comply with infection control policies. Discarding medical waste in general trash violates safety protocols and increases contamination risk.