A unit of packed red blood cells was ordered for a patient. Twenty minutes after the blood began infusing, the patient developed dyspnea, chest pain, bloody urine, and a decrease in blood pressure. The nurse would characterize this as which type of transfusion reaction?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are consistent with an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening reaction. The patient's immune system is reacting to the transfused blood, causing the destruction of red blood cells and the release of hemoglobin, which can lead to the symptoms described. Prompt discontinuation of the transfusion and supportive care are necessary to manage this type of reaction.

A Unit of Packed Red Blood Cells Was Ordered for a Patient