A patient received 8 units of packed red blood cells as treatment for hypovolemic shock. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. Serum sodium is not affected by the blood transfusion.
2. Rapid infusions of large amounts of citrated blood can lead to hypocalcemia. Citrate is used in banked blood to prevent coagulation. Once infused, the citrate binds with the calcium in the patient's blood, leading to low serum calcium levels.
3. Serum potassium should not be affected by the blood transfusion.
4. White blood cells will not be affected by the blood transfusion.

A Patient Received 8 Units of Packed Red Blood Cells