The patient is receiving a unit of packed RBCs.Fifteen minutes into the procedure,he complains of severe kidney pain,and his temperature increases 3 degrees Fahrenheit.The nurse stops the transfusion immediately,suspecting that which of the following reactions is occurring?

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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 sensation of heat and pain along 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,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 RBCs