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Difficulty: EasyPharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

A client with symptomatic anemia is scheduled to receive a transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). The nurse is gathering supplies to prime the Y-type blood administration set. Which intravenous fluid must the nurse select to hang with the blood product?

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

Answer

The only safe and compatible fluid to use with a blood transfusion is 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline).
Only 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is isotonic and entirely compatible with blood products. It maintains the integrity of the red blood cells, preventing hemolysis (rupture) and ensuring no clots form within the administration set.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the prescribed therapy and required equipment.
The client is receiving PRBCs, which require a Y-type administration set primed with a compatible fluid.
Safe administration of blood products requires specific protocols to prevent potentially fatal complications.
2
Evaluate the compatibility of standard intravenous fluids with blood products.
Fluids containing calcium cause clotting, while hypotonic or dextrose-containing fluids cause red blood cell hemolysis.
Mixing incompatible fluids with blood destroys the red blood cells before they enter the client's circulation.
3
Select the correct fluid.
0.9% sodium chloride is identified as the correct fluid.
It is isotonic and does not interact with the cellular components or preservatives in the blood product.

Key Concept

Blood Product Compatibility
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Topics

Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

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