Gastrointestinal Practice Questions Related

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The nurse is caring for a patient receiving a blood transfusion. Which of the following should the nurse do first if the patient develops chills and fever?

  • A. Stop the transfusion and notify the healthcare provider.
  • B. Administer acetaminophen as prescribed.
  • C. Check the blood bag for any abnormalities.
  • D. Increase the rate of the transfusion to flush the system.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stop the transfusion and notify the healthcare provider. This is the first step because chills and fever during a blood transfusion could indicate a transfusion reaction, which can be serious. Stopping the transfusion is crucial to prevent further complications. Notifying the healthcare provider promptly ensures appropriate assessment and management. Administering acetaminophen (choice B) may help with fever but does not address the underlying issue. Checking the blood bag (choice C) can be done after stopping the transfusion. Increasing the rate of the transfusion (choice D) can exacerbate the reaction and should be avoided.