Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Stopping the transfusion and notifying the physician immediately is the most appropriate action if a patient experiences a reaction during a blood transfusion. This action is crucial because transfusion reactions can be serious and even life-threatening. By halting the transfusion, the nurse can prevent further exposure to the potentially harmful blood product and allow for prompt assessment and management of the reaction.

Notifying the physician is essential for several reasons. First, immediate medical intervention may be needed depending on the type and severity of the reaction. The physician can decide on the appropriate treatment, which may include administering medications, such as antihistamines or steroids, or determining if additional diagnostic tests are necessary. Furthermore, early intervention can help mitigate potential complications associated with the transfusion reaction.

Monitoring closely or documenting without stopping the transfusion poses risk to the patient. The patient's safety is the top priority, and timely cessation of the transfusion is vital. Continuing the transfusion, even with monitoring, could exacerbate the reaction and lead to more severe consequences. Thus, stopping the transfusion and alerting the physician is the critical first step in managing a transfusion reaction effectively.