Question

When preparing to administer an ordered blood transfusion, which IV solution does the nurse use when priming the blood tubing?

A. Lactated Ringer's
B. 5% dextrose in water
C. 0.9% sodium chloride
D. 0.45% sodium chloride

Answer 1

The nurse uses 0.9% sodium chloride as the IV solution when priming the blood tubing for a blood transfusion.

Step-by-step explanation:

When preparing to administer an ordered blood transfusion, the nurse uses 0.9% sodium chloride as the IV solution when priming the blood tubing. This is because 0.9% sodium chloride, also known as normal saline, is an isotonic solution that closely matches the concentration of electrolytes in the body fluids. Using an isotonic solution helps prevent red blood cells from shrinking or swelling, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the blood transfusion.