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    RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego)

    A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is receiving reports for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

    Explanation & Rationale

    Rationale: A. A client who is receiving a blood transfusion and reports low-back pain: Low-back pain during a blood transfusion indicates a possible acute hemolytic reaction caused by ABO incompatibility. This is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate discontinuation of the transfusion and notifying the provider to prevent renal failure and shock. B. A female client who is scheduled for chemotherapy and has an RBC count of 4.0 x10⁶/µL (4.2–5.4 x10⁶/µL): Although the RBC count is slightly low, this finding is not immediately life-threatening. The provider should be informed, but the client does not require urgent intervention. C. A client who is 24 hr postoperative following a transurethral resection of the prostate and has small blood clots in the drainage tubing: Small clots are expected during the first 24 to 36 hours post-TURP due to residual bleeding from the surgical site. D. A client who is 2 days postoperative following placement of an ascending colostomy and has shreds of bloody mucus in the bag: Small amounts of bloody mucus are normal during the early postoperative phase as the bowel mucosa heals.

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