Blood replacement or transfusion is the IV administration of whole blood or a component such as plasma,packed red blood cells (RBCs),or platelets.The minimum gauge IV cannula necessary for administering a blood transfusion is:
A) 24 gauge
B) 22 gauge
C) 20 gauge
D) 18 gauge

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A large cannula such as an 18 gauge or 19 gauge is preferred because blood is more viscous than IV fluids,although smaller gauge sizes will accommodate transfusions.However,a catheter no smaller than a 20 gauge should be used to transfuse blood;22- and 24-gauge cannulas are not recommended because they are too small to allow the viscous blood to flow freely through them.An 18 gauge is considered ideal,but the minimum-size cannula that should be used is a 20 gauge.

Blood Replacement or Transfusion Is the IV Administration of Whole