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Difficulty: EasyPharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

A nurse is preparing to initiate a transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) for a client with symptomatic anemia. Which intravenous (IV) fluid should the nurse use to prime the blood administration tubing?

  1. 0.9% sodium chlorideAnswer
  2. B
    5% dextrose in water (D5W)
  3. C
    Lactated Ringer's solution
  4. D
    0.45% sodium chloride

Answer

The correct fluid to use for priming the blood administration tubing is 0.9% sodium chloride.
The correct answer is 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline). It is the only intravenous fluid that is safe and compatible with blood products. Being an isotonic solution, it prevents the hemolysis (destruction) of red blood cells and does not contain any additives that would cause the blood to coagulate in the administration tubing.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the clinical procedure being performed
The nurse is preparing to administer packed red blood cells (PRBCs) to a client.
Blood product administration requires strict adherence to safety protocols, particularly regarding fluid compatibility.
2
Recall the principles of IV fluid compatibility for blood transfusions
Blood products are only compatible with 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline).
Other IV solutions can cause severe adverse effects such as red blood cell hemolysis or coagulation within the IV tubing.
3
Select the appropriate IV fluid from the given options
0.9% sodium chloride is the chosen fluid.
It maintains an isotonic environment that preserves the integrity of the red blood cells during the transfusion.

Key Concept

Blood Product and IV Fluid Compatibility
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Topics

Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

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