If a client receiving packed RBCs shows signs of itching and hives, what condition is occurring?

When a client receiving packed red blood cells (RBCs) exhibits signs of itching and hives, this indicates that the individual is experiencing an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can occur during blood transfusions due to the immune system's response to the proteins in the donor blood that the recipient's body does not recognize as its own. This can lead to the release of histamines and other chemicals in the body, resulting in symptoms like itching, hives, and sometimes more severe reactions.

In this context, distinguishing between an allergic reaction and other types of transfusion complications is crucial. While a generic blood transfusion complication can encompass various issues, the specific symptoms of itching and hives point definitively towards an allergic response. Other potential complications of transfusions, such as vascular reactions or infections, would usually present with different sets of symptoms, such as fever or chills, rather than the localized symptoms associated with allergies. This specificity in symptoms helps clarify the type of reaction taking place.