In suspected transfusion reaction, what is the initial action?

• A. Continue transfusion
• B. Increase IV fluids without stopping
• C. Stop the transfusion
• D. Check patient ID after completion

Answer: (C)

Stop the transfusion immediately. When a transfusion reaction is suspected, halting the infusion is crucial because continuing to give donor blood can rapidly worsen the reaction and put the patient at real risk of life-threatening events such as hemolysis, airway compromise, or shock. After stopping, quickly assess the patient’s condition, secure IV access with normal saline if needed, notify the physician, and begin the standard workflow for a transfusion reaction (documenting the event, verifying patient and product IDs, and sending the blood bag and tubing back to the blood bank for investigation).