Blood replacement or transfusion is the IV administration of ...

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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:
 
  1. 24 gauge
  2. 22 gauge
  3. 20 gauge
  4. 18 gauge

Question 2

The nurse is discontinuing a client's IV line in preparation for the client's discharge home. Upon withdrawing the cannula from the peripheral site, the nurse notes that the tip of the cannula is missing. The first thing that the nurse should do is:
 
  1. Notify the health care provider immediately
  2. Apply pressure to the IV site
  3. Apply a tourniquet high on the extremity
  4. Ask another nurse to double-check the cannula

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Answer to Question 1

ANS: 3
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.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 3
The first priority of the nurse is to apply a tourniquet high on the extremity to restrict mobility of catheter embolus. The health care provider needs to be notified after the tourniquet is applied.

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