What signs indicate a transfusion reaction during air transport, and what is the immediate action?

What signs indicate a transfusion reaction during air transport, and what is the immediate action?

• A. Nausea, vomiting; stop transfusion, monitor patient.
• B. Headache and dizziness; slow the infusion and observe.
• C. Fever, chills, rigors, hypotension, dyspnea; stop transfusion, maintain IV access with normal saline, and prepare for arrival.
• D. Itching without systemic signs; apply antihistamines and continue transfusion.

Answer: (C)

Acute transfusion reactions present with systemic, rapid-onset symptoms that reflect the body’s response to donor blood. Fever with chills and rigors signal a inflammatory or immune-mediated process, while hypotension and dyspnea show that the reaction is affecting the circulation and lungs. This combination means the transfusion should be stopped immediately to prevent further harm, and the patient must be kept stable rather than continued on the infusion. The immediate action is to halt the transfusion at once and keep the IV line open with normal saline to maintain venous access and perfusion. Reassess the airway, breathing, and circulation, and provide supportive care (such as oxygen if needed). Notify the flight medical team and the receiving facility, and prepare for arrival so that definitive management and transfusion reaction workup can be started. Document the time of onset and symptoms, and collect any required samples per protocol for investigation, while ensuring the patient remains stable during transport.

Acute transfusion reactions present with systemic, rapid-onset symptoms that reflect the body’s response to donor blood. Fever with chills and rigors signal a inflammatory or immune-mediated process, while hypotension and dyspnea show that the reaction is affecting the circulation and lungs. This combination means the transfusion should be stopped immediately to prevent further harm, and the patient must be kept stable rather than continued on the infusion.

The immediate action is to halt the transfusion at once and keep the IV line open with normal saline to maintain venous access and perfusion. Reassess the airway, breathing, and circulation, and provide supportive care (such as oxygen if needed). Notify the flight medical team and the receiving facility, and prepare for arrival so that definitive management and transfusion reaction workup can be started. Document the time of onset and symptoms, and collect any required samples per protocol for investigation, while ensuring the patient remains stable during transport.