What is the immediate nursing intervention for a patient who reports itching and hives during a transfusion?

The immediate nursing intervention for a patient who reports itching and hives during a transfusion is to stop the transfusion. This action is crucial because itching and hives may indicate an allergic reaction or another serious complication related to the transfusion. Stopping the transfusion prevents further exposure to the blood product, which could exacerbate the reaction or lead to more severe complications.

Recognizing the urgency of this situation is vital for ensuring the patient's safety. After stopping the transfusion, the nurse can then assess the patient further, including monitoring vital signs and possibly administering treatments as indicated, such as antihistamines if warranted. However, the priority is to halt the transfusion immediately upon noticing signs of an adverse reaction.