4 Transfusion Reactions and Emergency Nursing Interventions Free Online FlashCards

What is the first action for a suspected acute transfusion reaction?

Stop the transfusion immediately and assess the patient; do not wait to see whether symptoms resolve.

Which assessment and escalation are priorities for severe reaction symptoms?

Assess airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC). For breathing difficulty, hypotension, collapse, or altered mental status, activate urgent medical help.

How should IV access be maintained after stopping a suspected reaction?

Maintain IV access, but do not flush the existing transfusion line. If needed, use new tubing and a separate line with compatible fluid, following local policy.

What identity checks are needed after stopping a suspected reaction?

Recheck the patient and product against the order, wristband, compatibility label, and documentation. Inspect the component if this will not delay emergency care.

Which findings can indicate an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction?

Acute hemolytic reactions may cause fever, rigors, back or flank pain, chest pain, hypotension, hemoglobinuria, or bleeding.

What severe signs can anaphylaxis cause during transfusion?

Anaphylaxis can cause airway swelling, wheezing, or circulatory collapse.

What presentation can TACO and TRALI both share?

Both TACO and TRALI can present with acute respiratory distress, so respiratory symptoms alone do not distinguish them.

When do delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions typically appear?

Delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions typically appear from 24 hours to 28 days after transfusion.

What findings may suggest delayed hemolysis after transfusion?

Clues include new or worsening anemia, jaundice, fever, dark urine, or hemoglobin that fails to rise as expected or falls again.

How should fever and rigors during transfusion be treated as a possibility?

Fever and rigors may indicate bacterial contamination and sepsis. Stop the transfusion, escalate care, and preserve the component for investigation as directed.

What information should be reported when notifying the transfusion service?

Promptly notify the responsible clinician and transfusion service, reporting symptoms, onset time, vital signs, product, and actions taken.

What monitoring and investigation support may follow a suspected reaction?

Repeat and document vital signs, oxygen saturation, respiratory status, and other relevant observations. Collect specimens and return the component and set only as directed by local procedure and the transfusion service.