Blood Transfusion

Published

A client is receiving a unit of packed red blood cells. The client experiences tingling in the fingers and headache. What is the nurse's priority action? Please any comment or rationale thank you.

A. Call the Physician

B. Stop the transfusion

C. Slow the infusion rate

D. Assess the IV site for inflammation

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We were always taught to stop the transfusion and assess, and call doc with all information. But I haven't graduated yet so I can't speak as a REAL nurse, yet.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Stopping the tranfusion is always the first thing you do with any reaction.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU, CVICU, Cath Lab, MICU, Endoscopy..

Stop the transfusion pt safety first

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Stop the infusion is definitely the answer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.

B. Stop the transfusion

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Stop the infusion...would you flush the cannula though?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Stop the infusion...would you flush the cannula though?

Aspirate first.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Honestly though, this sounds like a trick question... It could be a hemolytic reaction which requires stopping the transfusion. It does not, however, sound like an allergic reaction. It could also just be the symptoms of the pt getting increased volume and oxygen carrying capacity so the rate should be decreased but not stopped.

I might honestly pick decrease the rate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Stop the transfusion, but also sounds like possible hypocalcemia (I wonder how much blood has been given), not a serious reaction. But since this is a priority question and you cannot go with the "what if" scenario and add in things that are not in the question (which I myself was the queen of when I was in school!), stop the transfusion first, make sure you keep IV access, check your orders, then call the doc would be my answer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion