HESI RN CAT Exit Exam Related

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The nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) to a client. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

  • A. Verify the client's blood type
  • B. Ensure the PRBCs are warm
  • C. Check the client's vital signs
  • D. Obtain the client's consent
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Verify the client's blood type. This is crucial before administering PRBCs to prevent a potentially life-threatening transfusion reaction. Step 1: Check the blood type on the PRBCs label. Step 2: Verify the client's blood type against the label. Steps 3: Crossmatch the blood to ensure compatibility. Checking vital signs (C) is important but not the priority. Ensuring PRBCs are warm (B) is not necessary. Obtaining consent (D) is important but verifying blood type takes precedence to ensure safe transfusion.