25th July 2024

A 65-year-old lady is referred to A&E following GP blood tests

A 65-year-old lady is referred to A&E following GP blood tests for an increased frequency in bowel opening over the past few months with associated weight loss. She reports no acute shortness of breath, chest pain or significant fatigue, however appears pale from the end of the bed.

She has a background of COPD, HTN, hypercholesterolaemia and she smokes 20 cigarettes a day.

Bloods on admission:

The patient is subsequently given a blood transfusion and kept in overnight to ensure adequate increment in her haemoglobin. During the transfusion, around 1 hour after it started, she begins to feel anxious and her temperature is recorded at 37.7°C, up from 36.2°C before the transfusion. She is hemodynamically stable with no drop in blood pressure or increase in heart rate.

What would be the appropriate management for the most likely underlying cause?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.