What should you do immediately if a transfusion reaction occurs?

When a transfusion reaction occurs, the most appropriate immediate action is to stop the transfusion and notify the healthcare provider. This response is crucial because it helps to prevent further complications and enables rapid assessment and intervention. Stopping the transfusion halts the administration of blood products that could be causing the reaction, thereby reducing the risk of severe adverse effects.

Promptly informing the healthcare provider allows for a timely evaluation of the patient's condition and the initiation of necessary treatments, which may include supportive care or interventions tailored to the type of reaction that has occurred. This step is vital for patient safety, as certain transfusion reactions can escalate quickly and require immediate medical attention.

While changing the IV line and administering antihistamines may be relevant steps after stopping the transfusion and notifying the provider, they do not constitute the immediate action required when a reaction is suspected. Increasing the flow rate could exacerbate the reaction and is contraindicated. Therefore, stopping the transfusion and notifying the healthcare provider is the established protocol in the event of a transfusion reaction.