The patient is receiving a unit of packed red blood cells (RBCs).Fifteen minutes into the procedure,he complains of severe kidney pain,and his temperature increases by 3°F.The nurse stops the transfusion immediately,suspecting that which of the following reactions is occurring?
A)Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction
B)Nonhemolytic febrile reaction
C)Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction
D)Severe allergic reaction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Symptoms of an acute hemolytic reaction usually begin within 15 minutes of transfusion initiation and include severe pain in the kidney area and chest,increased temperature (up to 105°F),increased heart rate,and a sensation of heat and pain along the vein receiving blood,as well as chills,low back pain,headache,nausea,chest or back pain,chest tightness,dyspnea,bronchospasm,anxiety,hypotension,vascular collapse,disseminated intravascular coagulation,and possibly death.Symptoms of a delayed hemolytic reaction usually begin 2 to 14 days after the transfusion and include unexplained fever,an unexplained decrease in hemoglobin/hematocrit (Hgb/Hct),increased bilirubin levels,and jaundice.Symptoms of a nonhemolytic febrile reaction begin between 30 minutes after initiation and 6 hours after completion of transfusion and include fever greater than 1°C above baseline,flushing,chills,headache,and muscle pain;they occur most frequently in immunosuppressed patients.Symptoms of an acute severe allergic reaction usually begin within 5 to 15 minutes of initiation of transfusion and include coughing,nausea,vomiting,respiratory distress,wheezing,hypotension,loss of consciousness,and possible cardiac arrest.

The Patient Is Receiving a Unit of Packed Red Blood