What is the appropriate action if a patient's temperature rises significantly during a transfusion?

When a patient's temperature rises significantly during a transfusion, it indicates a potential reaction to the blood product being administered. The appropriate response is to stop the transfusion immediately while maintaining venous access, which allows healthcare providers to administer any necessary treatments or fluids safely.

By stopping the transfusion, the risk of further complications is minimized, and the patient's condition can be assessed more effectively. This assessment may involve checking for other signs of transfusion reactions, such as chills, rash, or changes in vital signs, and it informs subsequent actions, such as notifying the healthcare team and potentially starting a different treatment protocol if necessary.

Maintaining the access is vital, as it allows for the administration of anti-pyretics or other supportive care measures without delay. Depending on the clinical judgment, further steps can be taken, such as drawing blood for testing to investigate the cause of the fever.

This approach is crucial for patient safety because it addresses the immediate concern while ensuring thorough monitoring and evaluation of the patient's response to the transfusion.