The patient has received a total of 7 units of blood over the past 8 hours. The nurse assesses the patient's laboratory test results. Which of the following would be an expected complication?

a. Hypokalemia
b. Hyperkalemia
c. Hypercalcemia
d. Iron deficiency


B
When blood is stored, there is continual destruction of RBCs, which releases potassium from the cells into the plasma. If blood is transfused rapidly, transient hyperkalemia may occur before the potassium is reabsorbed. Blood that is preserved with citrate phosphate dextrose (CPD) contains a high concentration of citrate ions. The excess citrate may combine with the ionized calcium in the recipient's blood, resulting in transient low ionized calcium levels. Patients receiving multiple transfusions should be assessed for iron overload.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

What is easier to change?

A) Person's behavior B) Entire group's behavior C) Entire group's knowledge D) Person's attitudes

Nursing

A critical care nurse is caring for a client with an endotracheal tube who is on a ventilator. The nurse knows that meticulous airway management of this patient is necessary. What is the rationale for this?

A) Maintaining a patent airway B) Preventing the need for suctioning C) Decreasing the patient's time on the ventilator D) Increasing the patient's lung compliance

Nursing

A major outcome of managed care is that managed care organizations such as hospitals

a. Assume financial risk, as well as provide care. b. Focus more on individual illness. c. Decrease discharge planning activities. d. Have increased lengths of stay.

Nursing

Which of the following hospitalized older adults is at greatest risk for in-hospital hip fractures from a fall?

A) A 79-year-old client B) A client receiving numerous cardiac medications C) A client with a history of hip fractures from a fall D) A client with new-onset dementia

Nursing