What is the immediate management step when a patient develops fever and potential transfusion reaction during a blood transfusion?

What is the immediate management step when a patient develops fever and potential transfusion reaction during a blood transfusion?

• A. Continue the transfusion and monitor
• B. Stop the transfusion immediately and administer IV saline, then reassess
• C. Administer antihistamines only
• D. Notify transfusion service and wait

Answer: (B)

The immediate step is to stop the transfusion right away, secure IV access with normal saline, and reassess the patient. Halting the infusion prevents further exposure to the donor blood if a reaction is occurring, while IV fluids help maintain circulating volume and support hemodynamic stability as you evaluate the reaction. After stopping, notify the transfusion service and collect appropriate samples for workup. Continuing the transfusion or giving antihistamines alone can allow the reaction to progress, and waiting without stopping delays proper evaluation and treatment.

The immediate step is to stop the transfusion right away, secure IV access with normal saline, and reassess the patient. Halting the infusion prevents further exposure to the donor blood if a reaction is occurring, while IV fluids help maintain circulating volume and support hemodynamic stability as you evaluate the reaction. After stopping, notify the transfusion service and collect appropriate samples for workup. Continuing the transfusion or giving antihistamines alone can allow the reaction to progress, and waiting without stopping delays proper evaluation and treatment.