Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 1866 of 2368
An older adult with heart failure is receiving packed red blood cells and develops dyspnea, crackles in the lung bases, and jugular vein distension. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate?
- Elevating the head of the bed and giving a diuretic as prescribed
- Lowering the head of the bed and increasing the rate
- Giving an antihistamine and continuing at the same rate
- Starting broad-spectrum antimicrobials immediately
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Correct answer: Elevating the head of the bed and giving a diuretic as prescribed
These findings suggest circulatory overload. The rate is reduced or the transfusion stopped, the head of bed is raised, and a diuretic is given as prescribed.
Source: Nursing Advanced Skills (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Administer Blood Products: Transfusion Reactions. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026