Question

The nurse is assisting in monitoring a client who is receiving a transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). Before leaving the room, the nurse tells the client to immediately report which symptoms of a transfusion reaction? Select All that apply.

a.Chest pain
b.Elevated temperature
c.Fatigue
d.Rapid heartbeat

Answer 1

The nurse should tell the client to report symptoms of a transfusion reaction, which include chest pain, elevated temperature, and a rapid heartbeat. These indicate a hemolytic transfusion reaction, which is a severe immune response to incompatible transfused blood.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should instruct the client to immediately report symptoms of a transfusion reaction following the transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs), which include:

• Chest pain
• Elevated temperature
• Rapid heartbeat

These symptoms can indicate a potentially life-threatening condition known as a hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR). When someone receives a transfusion of incompatible blood types, such as a person with type B blood receiving type A blood, their immune system can aggressively attack the transfused RBCs. The destruction of RBCs leads to the release of harmful substances into the bloodstream, which can result in a cascade of symptoms, including those listed, and others such as chills, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure. Immediate medical attention is crucial to manage these reactions and prevent serious complications.