If a client is type A positive and the nurse has a unit of type O negative blood, what action should the nurse take?

In this scenario, a client with type A positive blood can safely receive type O negative blood. Type O is known as the universal donor blood type because it lacks A and B antigens on the red blood cells, making it compatible with any ABO blood type. Additionally, since the client is Rh positive, the presence of Rh factor in the O negative blood will not cause an immune response in this recipient.

It is vital for nurses to ensure compatibility before administering blood products, but in this case, type O negative blood is a safe transfusion option for a type A positive patient. Administering the blood as ordered is an appropriate action, as there is no reason to delay the transfusion based on potential compatibility issues.