The nurse has reviewed the Vital Signs at 1000.

Exhibits

Which of the following statements should the nurse include when reinforcing teaching to the client following the procedure? Select all that apply.

Rationale:

A. Attempt to extinguish the fire before evacuating clients: The priority is client safety. Attempting to extinguish a fire should only be done if the fire is small, contained, and the area has been cleared. Evacuation takes precedence over suppression efforts.

B. Aim the spray of the fire extinguisher at the top of the fire: The correct technique is to aim at the base of the fire to effectively cut off the fuel source. Aiming at the top will not extinguish the fire and may waste the extinguisher’s contents.

C. Open nearby doors and windows when the fire alarm sounds: Opening doors and windows can cause the fire to spread more rapidly by feeding it with oxygen. Doors should remain closed to help contain the fire and reduce the spread of smoke.

D. Have ambulatory clients walk independently to a safe location: Encouraging ambulatory clients to move independently helps prioritize assistance for those who are immobile or require more support. This approach ensures a quicker, safer evacuation process.

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.