A nurse is collecting data on a client who is to receive a blood transfusion. Which of the following data is the nurse's priority before the transfusion begins?
Skin color
Temperature
Hemoglobin level
Fluid intake
The Correct Answer is B
A. Skin color: While skin color can show signs of reactions, it is a secondary measure. Temperature changes can be more immediately significant in assessing transfusion reactions.
B. Temperature: Temperature is the priority because a fever can indicate an infection or may develop as a sign of a transfusion reaction. Monitoring baseline temperature helps quickly identify febrile reactions to the transfusion.
C. Hemoglobin level: Although important to verify, the hemoglobin level is part of the overall assessment but does not directly predict or prevent transfusion reactions.
D. Fluid intake: Fluid intake is monitored for fluid overload risk but is not as immediate in the prevention of transfusion reactions.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Report fever to MD ASAP: While fever in any immunocompromised patient should be reported, it does not directly address precautions related to low platelet counts and bleeding risks.
B. Use a soft toothbrush with oral care: With a low platelet count, the patient is at risk for bleeding. Using a soft toothbrush minimizes the risk of gum injury and bleeding, a critical safety measure for thrombocytopenic patients.
C. Drink hot liquids TID: Hot liquids are not recommended as they may cause mouth or esophageal burns, increasing bleeding risk if the mucosa is damaged. Tepid or cold fluids are safer.
D. Recommend straight edge razor for shaving: Patients with low platelets should use an electric razor to avoid cuts, as any bleeding is harder to control in thrombocytopenic individuals.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Intense abdominal pain: While abdominal pain may occur in some conditions related to anemia, it is not a typical finding in anemia due to blood loss.
B. Respiratory depression: Respiratory depression is not commonly associated with anemia and would more likely indicate issues with central nervous system depression or drug side effects.
C. Dyspnea on exertion: Dyspnea on exertion is common in clients with anemia because of the decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, leading to tissue hypoxia. Anemia results in decreased hemoglobin levels, reducing the body’s ability to deliver adequate oxygen, particularly during physical activity.
D. Bradycardia: Anemia typically causes tachycardia (increased heart rate) rather than bradycardia, as the body compensates for low oxygen levels by increasing cardiac output.