Pediatric HESI Test Bank Related

Review Pediatric HESI Test Bank related questions and content

When administering a blood transfusion to a client with multiple traumatic injuries, the nurse monitors closely for evidence of a transfusion reaction. Shortly after the transfusion begins, the client complains of chest pain, nausea and itching. When urticarial, tachycardia, and hypotension develop, the nurse stops the transfusion and notifies the physician. The nurse suspects which type of hypersensitivity reaction?

  • A. Type I (immediate, anaphylactic) hypersensitivity reaction
  • B. Type II (cytolytic, cytotoxic) hypersensitivity reaction
  • C. Type III (immune complex) hypersensitivity reaction
  • D. Type IV (cell-mediated, delayed) hypersensitivity reaction
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The symptoms described in the scenario, such as chest pain, nausea, itching, urticaria, tachycardia, and hypotension, are indicative of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction, also known as a Type I hypersensitivity reaction. This type of reaction is triggered by the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells and basophils. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can manifest rapidly after exposure to the allergen, in this case, the blood transfusion. Common manifestations include skin reactions (e.g., itching, urticaria), respiratory symptoms (e.g., chest pain, wheezing), cardiovascular changes (e.g., tachycardia, hypotension), and gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting).