NCLEX RN Medical Surgical Questions and Answers Related

Review NCLEX RN Medical Surgical Questions and Answers related questions and content

A nurse has two clients that have an order to receive a blood transfusion of packed red blood cells at the same time. The first client's blood pressure dropped from the preoperative value of 120/80 mm Hg to a postoperative value of 100/50. The second client is 58 years old and is hospitalized because he developed dehydration and anemia following pneumonia. After checking the patency of their I.V. lines and vital signs, which should the nurse do next?

  • A. Call for both clients' blood transfusions at the same time.
  • B. Ask the nurse to verify the compatibility of both units at the same time.
  • C. Call for and hang the first client's blood transfusion.
  • D. Ask another nurse to call for and hang the blood for the second client.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The first client's significant blood pressure drop (120/80 to 100/50) indicates potential hypovolemia or bleeding, making their transfusion a priority to restore volume and oxygen-carrying capacity. The second client's condition is less urgent. The nurse should call for and hang the first client's transfusion first.