Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 94%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
A nurse is planning care for a client who is scheduled to receive a transfusion of packed RBCs.Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A. Using a solution of 0.9% sodium chloride to flush the transfusion tubing is essential to ensure compatibility and prevent potential reactions between the blood product and other solutions. This is a standard practice to maintain the integrity of the blood product and prevent contamination. Flushing with lactated Ringer's solution (B) would introduce a different electrolyte composition that may affect the blood product. Administering the transfusion through a 24-gauge IV catheter (C) may not be appropriate for blood transfusions due to the risk of hemolysis or clotting. Infusing the blood over a maximum of 6 hours (D) is a general guideline for blood transfusions but is not the immediate action the nurse should plan to take.