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A nurse has initiated a blood transfusion on a client 15 minutes ago. As the nurse is assessing the client's response, the client states, "My lower back is starting to hurt, and I feel nauseous." Which action does the nurse take next?

Slow the transfusion rate and administer an anti-emetic

Continue the transfusion and offer the client an emesis basin

Stop the transfusion and take the client's vital signs

Pause the transfusion and administer pain medication

User Shiffty
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Final answer:

The correct action when a patient reports back pain and nausea during a blood transfusion is to stop the transfusion and take vital signs, as it could be a sign of a transfusion reaction. In emergencies, Type O negative blood would be transfused due to its universal donor status. Agglutination with both anti-A and anti-B antibodies indicates an AB blood type.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client reports back pain and nausea during a blood transfusion, it is essential to consider these as potential signs of a transfusion reaction, such as an acute hemolytic response. The nurse's next step should be to stop the transfusion and take the client's vital signs to assess for other signs of a reaction. Early signs might include fever, chills, pruritus (itching), and urticaria (hives). Prompt intervention is crucial in preventing more severe consequences such as shock, organ failure, or death.

Regarding the emergency transfusion situation, Type O negative blood, known as the universal donor, would be used because it is most likely to be compatible with any blood type and can be transfused without the risk of an immediate hemolytic reaction. Additionally, type O negative blood lacks Rh factor, which means it can be safely given to Rh-negative individuals, preventing Rh sensitization.

If a patient's blood sample agglutinates with both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, it indicates that the patient has AB blood type. This is a normal response for someone with AB blood, as they have both A and B antigens on the surface of their RBCs.

User Miklos Aubert
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