During a packed red blood cell transfusion, which assessment finding is critical in identifying a febrile, nonhemolytic reaction?

A febrile, nonhemolytic reaction is commonly characterized by the patient's development of fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms following a blood transfusion. In this context, flushed skin and headache are significant indicators of this type of reaction. Flushed skin can be attributed to the release of cytokines in response to white blood cells present in the transfused blood, while a headache may occur as part of the systemic reaction to the transfusion.

Monitoring for these symptoms is essential for timely identification of possible transfusion reactions. Prompt assessment and intervention can help prevent further complications. Symptoms like increased anxiety or drowsiness from medication do not directly link to febrile, nonhemolytic reactions, and complaints of feeling cold could suggest a different issue, like hypothermia or a hemolytic reaction, rather than indicating the febrile response itself. Thus, the combination of flushed skin and headache aligns closely with typical signs seen in patients experiencing a febrile, nonhemolytic reaction during a packed red blood cell transfusion.