Which complication should a nurse monitor for when a patient is receiving a blood transfusion?

When a patient is receiving a blood transfusion, the nurse should closely monitor for a transfusion reaction. This is a critical complication that can occur due to various reasons, including an immune response to incompatible blood components, which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Symptoms of a transfusion reaction may include fever, chills, rash, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis or shock.

Monitoring for transfusion reactions is essential because prompt recognition and intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes. The nurse’s role involves checking vital signs before, during, and after the transfusion, observing for any signs of discomfort, and being prepared to respond quickly if a reaction occurs.

While pulmonary embolism, venous thromboembolism, and oxygen toxicity are important considerations in patient care, they are not the primary complications associated with blood transfusions. Each of those conditions pertains to different clinical situations, and while venous thromboembolism could be a risk factor in some patients, it is not specific to blood transfusions in the way that transfusion reactions are.