Question

Nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving a blood transfusion. Patient becomes restless, dyspneic, and has crackles noted to the lung bases. Which of the following actions should the nurse anticipate taking?

A. Administer antihistamine
B. Slow the infusion rate
C. Give patient corticosteroid
D. Elevate patient's lower extremities

Answer 1

The nurse should anticipate slowing the infusion rate when a patient develops restlessness, dyspnea, and crackles during a blood transfusion to minimize the severity of a possible transfusion reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should anticipate taking action to slow the infusion rate when caring for a patient who becomes restless, dyspneic, and has crackles noted to the lung bases during a blood transfusion. These symptoms are suggestive of a possible transfusion reaction, which can occur when the patient's body reacts negatively to the transfused blood. Slowing the infusion rate can help to minimize the severity of the reaction and allow for further assessment and intervention if needed.