A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is receiving a blood transfusion. The nurse should monitor for which of the following findings as an indication the client is having an acute hemolytic reaction?
Pulmonary congestion
Urticaria
Vomiting
Low back pain
The Correct Answer is D
A. Pulmonary congestion: Pulmonary congestion is associated more with fluid overload or transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), not an acute hemolytic reaction.
B. Urticaria: Urticaria (hives) is more typical of a mild allergic reaction rather than an acute hemolytic reaction.
C. Vomiting: Although nausea and vomiting may occur in various transfusion reactions, it is not specific to an acute hemolytic reaction like low back pain is.
D. Low back pain: Low back pain, often around the kidneys, is a classic sign of an acute hemolytic reaction due to the breakdown of RBCs and the release of hemoglobin into the bloodstream, which can lead to renal damage. This reaction is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Progressive increase in platelet production: In DIC, platelets are rapidly consumed, not increased, due to widespread clotting in the blood vessels.
B. Excessive thrombosis and bleeding: DIC is a complex condition where there is widespread activation of the clotting cascade, leading to excessive clotting and subsequent depletion of platelets and clotting factors, resulting in both thrombosis and bleeding.
C. Immediate sodium and fluid retention: Sodium and fluid retention are not specific findings in DIC; they may occur in cases of renal or heart failure but are unrelated to the clotting issues in DIC.
D. Increased clotting factors: In DIC, clotting factors are depleted as they are used up in widespread clotting, leading to bleeding when factors are exhausted.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Jaw Pain: Jaw pain is not typically associated with a hemolytic transfusion reaction. It may be more relevant in cardiac issues or in rare cases of referred pain, but it is not an indicator of transfusion reaction.
B. Urticaria: Urticaria (hives) is associated with allergic reactions, not specifically with hemolytic reactions. Acute hemolytic reactions are characterized more by systemic symptoms like hypotension and fever.
C. Distended neck veins: Distended neck veins suggest fluid overload or cardiac issues but are not characteristic of an acute hemolytic reaction.
D. Hypotension: Hypotension is a common sign of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. This occurs when the immune system attacks transfused red blood cells, leading to hemolysis, which can cause shock and a drop-in blood pressure.