A transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) has been infusing for 5 minutes when the patient becomes flushes and tachypneic and says, "I'm having chills. Please get me a blanket." Which action should the nurse take first?

Stop the transfusion

Administer oxygen

Obtain a blanket from the warmer

Check the patient's oral temperature

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   This is the first and most critical action to take. The patient's symptoms suggest a possible transfusion reaction, which can be life-threatening. Stopping the transfusion immediately prevents further exposure to potentially harmful blood components.
B.   Administering oxygen may be necessary if the patient exhibits signs of respiratory distress or hypoxia. However, this action should come after ensuring that the transfusion is stopped and the patient is stabilized, as continuing the transfusion could exacerbate the reaction.
C.   While providing warmth can help alleviate chills, it is not the priority action. The patient's safety is more important, and symptoms of a transfusion reaction must be addressed first.
D.   Checking the temperature can provide useful information about the patient's condition, especially if a fever is present, but it is not an immediate priority. The focus should be on stopping the transfusion and managing the acute symptoms.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. While taking a multivitamin can provide additional nutrients, it is generally not a cause for concern unless the multivitamin contains high doses of certain minerals that might interact negatively with iron absorption. However, this is less pressing compared to the interaction between antacids and iron.
B. Antacids can significantly interfere with the absorption of oral iron supplements, leading to inadequate treatment of iron deficiency anemia. This is the most concerning finding because it may negate the effectiveness of the iron supplementation, making it harder for the patient to improve their iron levels.
C. Black stools are a common and expected side effect of iron supplementation due to the presence of unabsorbed iron in the gastrointestinal tract. While the nurse should monitor for this, it is not inherently concerning as it indicates that the iron is being ingested.
D. Constipation is a common side effect of iron supplements. Although it can be uncomfortable, it is not as critical as the potential interference caused by taking antacids. Management strategies can often alleviate this side effect.

A. Perform a sputum culture B. Instruct the patient to obtain yearly influenza vaccination C. Administer oxygen therapy D. Administer antibiotics

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While obtaining a sputum culture is important for identifying the causative organism and guiding antibiotic therapy, it is not an immediate priority. Delaying this test briefly for critical interventions (like oxygen administration) is acceptable, as stabilizing the patient's oxygen levels is more urgent.
B. Educating the patient about vaccination is important for long-term health and prevention of future respiratory infections. However, it does not address the current situation and does not provide immediate benefit for the acute episode of pneumonia.
C. The patient has a SpO2 of 91%, which indicates hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood). In pneumonia, adequate oxygenation is crucial to prevent further respiratory distress and potential complications. Administering oxygen therapy will help improve the oxygen saturation and support the patient’s respiratory function, making this the highest priority intervention.
D. While antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial pneumonia, they may take time to exert their effects. In this acute scenario, the immediate need is to ensure the patient is adequately oxygenated. After oxygen is administered, antibiotics can be given promptly.

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A transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) has been infusing for 5 minutes when the patient becomes flushes and tachypneic and says, "I'm having chills. Please get me a blanket." Which action should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient with iron deficiency anemia who is taking oral iron supplements is evaluated by the nurse in the outpatient clinic. Which finding by the nurse is of MOST concern?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. Assessment findings include T 100.4 deg F, RR 30, BP 130/76, HR 100, and SpO2 91% on room air. Which of the following is the PRIORITY intervention?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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