A nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed red blood cells to a patient with severe anemia. Fifteen minutes after the transfusion begins, the patient reports chills, low back pain, and feeling flushed. The nurse notes the patient's temperature has risen 1.5°C from baseline. Which explanation best describes why the nurse should stop the transfusion immediately?
- The patient is likely experiencing an allergic reaction limited to the skin requiring antihistamine administration.
- These signs indicate a febrile non-hemolytic reaction, which is mild and self-limiting.
- These symptoms suggest fluid volume overload from transfusing blood too rapidly.
- Low back pain, chills, and fever soon after transfusion suggest an acute hemolytic reaction.