Prior to initiating a packed red blood cell transfusion, which action must the nurse take?

Prior to initiating a packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion, it is essential for the nurse to perform multiple critical actions to ensure patient safety and the success of the transfusion. The correct answer encompasses all listed actions, as each plays a vital role in the transfusion process.

Firstly, assessing and documenting the client's vital signs is crucial before starting the transfusion. This serves as a baseline to identify any potential transfusion reactions that may occur during or after the procedure. By knowing the patient's initial vitals, the healthcare provider can promptly notice any changes that might indicate a complication.

Secondly, verifying the blood type and Rh factor with another nurse is a critical step in preventing potentially life-threatening transfusion reactions. This double-check serves to confirm that the blood being administered is compatible with the patient’s own blood type, thereby reducing the risk of hemolytic reactions, which can occur if incompatible blood is transfused.

Lastly, changing the IV tubing to a set that has a filter is important as the filter helps to catch any clots or debris that may have formed in the blood bag during storage. This ensures that only healthy, filtered blood is transfused, which minimizes the risk of complications.

Since all these actions are necessary to ensure the safety