The nurse is caring for a patient who is to receive a transfusion of packed red blood cells. The patient has a 22-gauge IV in his arm with 0.9% normal saline infusing. What intervention will the nurse perform before obtaining the packed red blood cells from the blood bank?
A) Identify the blood group, type, and expiration date with another nurse.
B) Assess the patency of the current IV site for the administration of the packed RBCs.
C) Program the IV infusion pump so that the transfusion will complete within 4 hours.
D) Obtain a new microdrip tubing and extension tubing from the clean utility room.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Before obtaining the blood from the blood bank, the nurse ensures the patient's IV is patent. Research confirms blood can be safely infused in as small as a 24 gauge IV. Then the nurse obtains the blood and double checks the blood group, type, expiration date, and patient ID with a second nurse. Next the nurse sets up the IV and IV pump. Blood is not run through a microdrip tubing set.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is to Receive