The nurse is collecting equipment to administer a unit of packed red blood cells.Which IV fluid should be used to initiate the IV for this transfusion?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is the preferred IV fluid to initiate a blood transfusion as it is isotonic with blood and does not interfere with the compatibility testing or the transfusion of blood products. Lactated Ringer's solution contains calcium and can cause clotting of blood products, 5% dextrose and water or 5% dextrose and 1/2 normal saline are hypotonic solutions and may cause hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) due to osmotic pressure changes.

The Nurse Is Collecting Equipment to Administer a Unit of Packed