Blood Transfusion and Nursing Responsibilities

A nurse is monitoring a patient who is receiving a blood transfusion. The patient suddenly begins to complain of chills, fever, and back pain. The nurse suspects an acute hemolytic reaction. What is the most appropriate initial action for the nurse to take?

• Administer acetaminophen to relieve the fever.

• Increase the rate of the transfusion to finish it more quickly.

• Stop the transfusion immediately and notify the healthcare provider.

• Administer a bolus of normal saline to dilute the blood.

A patient who has been receiving a blood transfusion suddenly develops itching, hives, and mild fever. These symptoms are consistent with which of the following types of transfusion reaction?

• Anaphylactic reaction

• Febrile non-hemolytic reaction

• Delayed hemolytic reaction

• Allergic reaction

Which of the following interventions is most important for the nurse to implement if a patient shows signs of a febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction, such as fever and chills?

• Administer antihistamines to reduce symptoms.

• Decrease the transfusion rate and monitor vital signs closely.

• Initiate a second blood transfusion with a new unit.

• Increase the rate of the transfusion to prevent further fever.

A patient receiving a blood transfusion begins to exhibit signs of shortness of breath, wheezing, and anxiety. The nurse suspects which type of transfusion reaction?

• Septic transfusion reaction

• Anaphylactic transfusion reaction

• Circulatory overload reaction

• Iron overload reaction

Which of the following is the priority intervention for a patient suspected of having a transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO)?

• Administer oxygen and diuretics as prescribed.

• Stop the transfusion and notify the physician.

• Increase the rate of the transfusion to complete it faster.

• Change the IV line to normal saline and continue the transfusion.

A nurse is caring for a patient who develops a fever, chills, and pain at the infusion site shortly after receiving a blood transfusion. The healthcare provider suspects a transfusion reaction. Which action should the nurse take first?

• Notify the physician and prepare for further blood cultures.

• Stop the transfusion immediately and notify the healthcare provider.

• Continue the transfusion at a slower rate.

• Administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to relieve symptoms.

Which of the following statements is true regarding blood product administration?

• Platelets should be stored at 1-6°C to prevent bacterial growth

• Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) must be transfused within 8 hours of removal from storage

• Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) must be thawed before administration and used within 24 hours

• Blood should only be transfused using normal saline (0.9% NaCl)

Which blood type is considered the universal donor for plasma?

• Type O

• Type A

• Type B

• Type AB

Which of the following is the primary indication for cryoprecipitate transfusion?

• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with low fibrinogen

• Hemophilia A

• Warfarin reversal

• Acute blood loss anemia

What complication can occur if cold-stored blood is rapidly transfused without warming?

• Hyperkalemia

• Metabolic alkalosis

• Hypothermia and cardiac arrhythmias

• Iron overload