The nurse is planning to administer a transfusion of packed red ...

[SO00]

The nurse is planning to administer a transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) to a patient with blood loss from gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Which action can the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
 
  a. Verify the patient identification (ID) according to hospital policy.
  b. Obtain the temperature, blood pressure, and pulse before the transfusion.
  c. Double-check the product numbers on the PRBCs with the patient ID band.
  d. Monitor the patient for shortness of breath or chest pain during the transfusion.

Question 2

Which information obtained by the nurse caring for a patient with thrombocytopenia should be immediately communicated to the health care provider?
 
  a. The platelet count is 52,000/L.
  b. The patient is difficult to arouse.
  c. There are purpura on the oral mucosa.
  d. There are large bruises on the patient's back.

[iceage]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
UAP education includes measurement of vital signs. UAP would report the vital signs to the registered nurse (RN). The other actions require more education and a larger scope of practice and should be done by licensed nursing staff members.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Difficulty in arousing the patient may indicate a cerebral hemorrhage, which is life threatening and requires immediate action. The other information should be documented and reported but would not be unusual in a patient with thrombocytopenia.