What signs and symptoms would indicate circulatory overload in a client receiving a blood transfusion?

Circulatory overload, also known as transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), occurs when a large volume of blood is transfused too rapidly, leading to an excess of volume in the circulatory system. This can result in symptoms related to fluid overload in the heart and lungs. The presence of wheezing, chest pain, and fever as signs of circulatory overload is significant because:

• Wheezing indicates bronchospasm or the development of pulmonary edema due to increased fluid in the lung interstitium, which can cause difficulty in breathing.

• Chest pain may arise from increased pressure on the heart or from fluid accumulation affecting the lung structures, leading to discomfort and potentially signaling heart strain.

• Fever is a common response to transfusions and can occur in various transfusion reactions. In the case of TACO, it often accompanies the physiological stress due to overloading the circulatory system.

In identifying these particular signs and symptoms, it becomes clear that they directly reflect how circulatory overload can impact the respiratory and cardiovascular systems following a blood transfusion. Understanding these indicators is crucial for prompt recognition and intervention to prevent complications.