What is a recommended action if a patient shows signs of a circulatory/fluid volume overload reaction during a blood transfusion?

When a patient exhibits signs of circulatory or fluid volume overload during a blood transfusion, administering diuretics is a recommended action. This is because fluid overload can lead to symptoms such as hypertension, pulmonary congestion, or heart failure due to excessive fluid retention. Diuretics help to remove excess fluid from the body through increased urine output, alleviating the burden on the circulatory system and addressing the overload effectively.

This approach is particularly important as it targets the underlying issue of fluid excess, providing rapid relief and preventing potential complications that could arise from continued overload. The use of diuretics can help restore fluid balance and improve the patient’s overall condition during the transfusion process. In contrast, increasing the transfusion rate would exacerbate the situation, potentially worsening fluid overload. Giving diphenhydramine does not specifically address fluid overload as it's primarily used for allergic reactions, and applying warm compresses does not have a direct impact on managing fluid volume status.