What is the initial action if a patient starts showing signs of anxiety and bronchospasm during a transfusion?

When a patient exhibits signs of anxiety and bronchospasm during a transfusion, the initial action that should be taken is to administer epinephrine. This response is critical because anxiety and bronchospasm may indicate an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is a first-line treatment in such cases, as it acts quickly to alleviate bronchospasm by dilating the airways, thereby improving breathing and reducing anxiety stemming from respiratory distress.

In contrast, while monitoring vital signs is important for ongoing assessment, it does not directly address the immediate threat to the patient's airway and breathing. Inspecting the blood bag can be beneficial for identifying possible allergic reactions or contamination but is not the priority action when the patient is already displaying significant respiratory distress. Slowing the transfusion may help in some scenarios but does not provide the rapid intervention needed to resolve acute bronchospasm or severe anxiety, which can escalate quickly if not addressed. Therefore, administering epinephrine is the most appropriate and immediate action in this critical situation.