Which of the following is NOT a sign of a transfusion reaction?

Which of the following is NOT a sign of a transfusion reaction?

• A. Chills
• B. Headache
• C. Pruritus
• D. Urticaria

Answer: (B)

Transfusion reactions alert you to stop the transfusion and assess the patient, and they have several classic signs. Chills are a common feature of febrile transfusion reactions, often with fever and a rigors sensation. Pruritus and urticaria point to an allergic-type reaction to components in the donor blood, so these skin-related symptoms are also typical signs. Headache, while it can happen for many reasons, is not a typical or specific sign of a transfusion reaction. It does not reliably indicate that a reaction is occurring, unlike chills or skin reactions. So the symptom that does not fit as a sign of a transfusion reaction is headache. If any signs are present, stop the transfusion and notify the provider.

Transfusion reactions alert you to stop the transfusion and assess the patient, and they have several classic signs. Chills are a common feature of febrile transfusion reactions, often with fever and a rigors sensation. Pruritus and urticaria point to an allergic-type reaction to components in the donor blood, so these skin-related symptoms are also typical signs.

Headache, while it can happen for many reasons, is not a typical or specific sign of a transfusion reaction. It does not reliably indicate that a reaction is occurring, unlike chills or skin reactions. So the symptom that does not fit as a sign of a transfusion reaction is headache. If any signs are present, stop the transfusion and notify the provider.