Questions: A nurse is preparing to administer platelets to a client who has thrombocytopenia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? - Use a transfusion set that has a short tubing and a small filter. - Verify the client's blood type with a second nurse. - Allow platelets to sit at room temperature for 1 hr prior to infusion. - Infuse the platelets over a period of 2 hr.

The answer is the first one: Use a transfusion set that has a short tubing and a small filter.

Explanation for each option:

1. Use a transfusion set that has a short tubing and a small filter.

   • This is the correct action. Platelets should be administered using a transfusion set with a short tubing and a small filter to prevent clumping and ensure the effective delivery of the platelets.

2. Verify the client's blood type with a second nurse.

   • While verifying the client's blood type is a critical step in blood transfusions, it is not typically required for platelet transfusions because platelets do not need to be ABO compatible. However, it is always good practice to verify patient identity and the product being administered.

3. Allow platelets to sit at room temperature for 1 hr prior to infusion.

   • This is incorrect. Platelets should not be left at room temperature for an extended period before transfusion as this can affect their viability. They should be transfused as soon as possible after being received from the blood bank.

4. Infuse the platelets over a period of 2 hr.

   • This is incorrect. Platelets are typically infused over a shorter period, usually 30 minutes to 1 hour, to ensure their effectiveness and reduce the risk of bacterial growth.

In summary, the nurse should use a transfusion set with short tubing and a small filter when administering platelets to a client with thrombocytopenia.