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An interdisciplinary team has been commissioned to create policies and procedures aimed at preventing acute hemolytic transfusion reactions. What action has the greatest potential to reduce the risk of this transfusion reaction?
- A. Ensure that blood components are never infused at a rate greater than 125 mL/hr.
- B. Administer prophylactic antihistamines prior to all blood transfusions.
- C. Establish baseline vital signs for all patients receiving transfusions.
- D. Be vigilant in identifying the patient and the blood component.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most common causes of acute hemolytic reaction are errors in blood component labeling and patient identification that result in the administration of an ABO-incompatible transfusion. Actions to address these causes are necessary in all health care settings. Prophylactic antihistamines are not normally administered, and would not prevent acute hemolytic reactions. Similarly, baseline vital signs and slow administration will not prevent this reaction.
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A patient is receiving the first of two ordered units of PRBCs. Shortly after the initiation of the transfusion, the patient complains of chills and experiences a sharp increase in temperature. What is the nurses priority action?
- A. Position the patient in high Fowlers.
- B. Discontinue the transfusion.
- C. Auscultate the patients lungs.
- D. Obtain a blood specimen from the patient.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stopping the transfusion is the first step in any suspected transfusion reaction. This must precede other assessments and interventions, including repositioning, chest auscultation, and collecting specimens.
A patient has come to the OB/GYN clinic due to recent heavy menstrual flow. Because of the patients consequent increase in RBC production, the nurse knows that the patient may need to increase her daily intake of what substance?
- A. Vitamin E
- B. Vitamin D
- C. Iron
- D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To replace blood loss, the rate of red cell production increases. Iron is incorporated into hemoglobin. Vitamins E and D and magnesium do not need to be increased when RBC production is increased.
The nurses review of a patients most recent blood work reveals a significant increase in the number of band cells. The nurses subsequent assessment should focus on which of the following?
- A. Respiratory function
- B. Evidence of decreased tissue perfusion
- C. Signs and symptoms of infection
- D. Recent changes in activity tolerance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ordinarily, band cells account for only a small percentage of circulating granulocytes, although their percentage can increase greatly under conditions in which neutrophil production increases, such as infection. This finding is not suggestive of problems with oxygenation and subsequent activity intolerance.
The nurse is describing the role of plasminogen in the clotting cascade. Where in the body is plasminogen present?
- A. Myocardial muscle tissue
- B. All body fluids
- C. Cerebral tissue
- D. Venous and arterial vessel walls
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Plasminogen, which is present in all body fluids, circulates with fibrinogen. Plasminogen is found in body fluids, not tissue.
A patient on the medical unit is receiving a unit of PRBCs. Difficult IV access has necessitated a slow infusion rate and the nurse notes that the infusion began 4 hours ago. What is the nurses most appropriate action?
- A. Apply an icepack to the blood that remains to be infused.
- B. Discontinue the remainder of the PRBC transfusion and inform the physician.
- C. Disconnect the bag of PRBCs, cool for 30 minutes and then administer.
- D. Administer the remaining PRBCs by the IV direct (IV push) route.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Because of the risk of infection, a PRBC transfusion should not exceed 4 hours. Remaining blood should not be transfused, even if it is cooled. Blood is not administered by the IV direct route.