Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

What should be monitored after blood transfusion therapy?

1. Patient's caloric intake

2. Presence of edema

3. Signs of an allergic reaction

4. Quality of sleep

The correct answer is: Signs of an allergic reaction

After blood transfusion therapy, it is crucial to monitor for signs of an allergic reaction. This is because transfusions can trigger various immune responses in the recipient, leading to symptoms such as hives, itching, fever, or more severe reactions like anaphylaxis. Monitoring for these reactions is essential for ensuring patient safety and providing prompt treatment if an adverse reaction occurs. While monitoring caloric intake, presence of edema, and quality of sleep can be important aspects of patient care, they are not specifically related to the immediate post-transfusion phase. The potential for allergic reactions requires vigilant observation as they can develop quickly after transfusion initiation and need timely management to prevent complications.