Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Practice Exam

What is a critical intervention after stopping a blood transfusion?

1. Apply a cold compress

2. Administer antihistamines

3. Replace tubing with 0.9% NaCl

4. Notify the patient's family

The correct answer is: Replace tubing with 0.9% NaCl

After stopping a blood transfusion, one of the critical interventions is to replace the intravenous tubing with 0.9% NaCl (normal saline). This is essential to maintain venous access and ensure that the patient remains hydrated, particularly if any reaction occurs as a result of the transfusion. Transitioning to normal saline helps to flush out the existing blood products that may still be present in the tubing and prevents any additional interaction between the blood and the venous access site. Normal saline also assists in diluting any potential hemolytic agents that may have been introduced during the transfusion, providing further support in mitigating any adverse reactions. By promptly replacing the tubing, the healthcare provider ensures continued access for necessary medical interventions, such as administering medications or fluids, if required for patient care. In contrast, other options may not effectively manage the situation. For instance, applying a cold compress is not a standard intervention for blood transfusion reactions and does not address the immediate need for venous access. Administering antihistamines may be warranted in the case of allergic reactions, but it should take place after the transfusion has been stopped and not immediately after. Notifying the patient's family, while important, does not address critical patient care and management needs that