Question

The nurse is administering packed red blood cells to a child with sickle cell disease (SCD). The nurse is monitoring for a transfusion reaction and knows it is most likely to occur during which time frame?

A. Six hours after the transfusion is given
B. Within the first 20 minutes of administration of the transfusion
C. At the end of the administration of the transfusion
D. Never; children with SCD do not have reactions.

Answer 1

The nurse should monitor for a transfusion reaction within the first 20 minutes of administration of the transfusion to a child with sickle cell disease

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is monitoring for a transfusion reaction and knows it is most likely to occur within the first 20 minutes of administration of the transfusion. During a transfusion, incompatible blood types can lead to a type II hypersensitivity reaction called hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR). This occurs when antibodies in the recipient's plasma bind to and destroy the transfused red blood cells. Symptoms of a transfusion reaction can include fever, chills, pruritus, urticaria, dyspnea, hemoglobinuria, and hypotension.