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) Insert an 18- or 20-gauge angiocatheter into the patient's other arm.
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

Blood products such as packed red blood cells and whole blood should be infused through an IV catheter than is no smaller than a 20 gauge. An 18- or 20-gauge IV should be started in the patient's other arm before picking up the packed red blood cells from the blood bank. Identification of the blood group and expiration date will be done once the blood is obtained from the blood bank. Microdrip tubing is never used for blood transfusions.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Is to Receive