Evolve HESI Practice Exam 2026 - Free HESI Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary goal when monitoring a client receiving packed red blood cells (RBCs) is to prevent transfusion reactions. This is crucial because transfusion reactions can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening complications, such as hemolysis, allergic reactions, febrile reactions, or transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). Monitoring includes assessing vital signs before, during, and after the transfusion to catch any adverse reactions early. Additionally, the nurse should be vigilant for any signs and symptoms of a reaction, such as fever, chills, itching, or respiratory distress, allowing for prompt intervention.

While maintaining fluid balance, ensuring nutritional status, and administering medications on time are all important aspects of patient care, they do not have the same level of immediacy in context as preventing transfusion reactions. The priority in a transfusion setting is to ensure the safety of the patient by minimizing the risk of complications associated with blood transfusions.