Evolve HESI Practice Exam

What is the appropriate action if a patient's blood transfusion shows mild allergic reactions?

1. Stop the transfusion and notify the provider

2. Continue the transfusion at a slower rate

3. Administer premedication for the allergy

4. Change the infusion set

The correct answer is: Stop the transfusion and notify the provider

The appropriate course of action when a patient exhibits mild allergic reactions during a blood transfusion is to stop the transfusion and notify the provider. This is crucial because stopping the transfusion immediately reduces the risk of exacerbating the allergic reaction. While mild reactions may sometimes resolve with continued transfusion at a reduced rate, doing so could lead to further complications. Notifying the provider is also essential, as they can assess the patient's condition, decide on further management, and determine whether it is safe to continue with the transfusion or provide alternative treatment options. In practice, changing the infusion set or administering premedication is typically done prior to transfusions to prevent reactions, but is not a primary response once a reaction occurs. Therefore, prioritizing patient safety by stopping the transfusion represents the best practice in this scenario.