Final answer:
The priority action for a nurse who suspects a child is having a transfusion reaction is to stop the transfusion, maintain IV access, check vital signs, notify the physician, and follow protocols. In emergencies with no time for blood typing, type O blood is used as it is the universal donor and least likely to cause a reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse suspects that a child receiving a blood transfusion is experiencing an adverse reaction, the nurse's priority action is to stop the transfusion immediately and maintain intravenous access with a saline solution. The nurse should then assess the patient's vital signs and symptoms, notify the physician, and follow institutional protocols, which often include rechecking the blood product and recipient identification. In cases of suspected transfusion reactions, it is critical to prevent further exposure to the possibly mismatched blood.
In an emergency situation where a patient is experiencing severe hemorrhage and there is no time to determine blood type, transfusion with type O blood is conducted. This type is used because it is considered the universal donor blood and is less likely to cause a hemolytic transfusion reaction. Cross-matching to determine blood compatibility is essential but can be bypassed only when the patient's life is in immediate danger.