An adult patient is prescribed a unit of packed red blood cells.Which gauge needle should be inserted to administer this blood product?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since packed red blood cells are a viscous fluid, a larger gauge needle is required for administration to prevent hemolysis (breakdown of the red blood cells). An 18 gauge needle has a larger diameter than 22, 24, or 26 gauge needles and would be the best choice for administering packed red blood cells to an adult patient.

An Adult Patient Is Prescribed a Unit of Packed Red