Which solution is compatible with blood product transfusions when necessary?

Which solution is compatible with blood product transfusions when necessary?

• A. 5% dextrose in water
• B. 0.9% sodium chloride
• C. Lactated Ringer’s solution
• D. Ringer’s solution

Answer: (B)

When administering blood product transfusions, the most compatible solution is 0.9% sodium chloride, commonly known as normal saline. This isotonic solution maintains osmotic balance and does not cause hemolysis of red blood cells, which would occur with hypertonic or hypotonic solutions. Normal saline is also the standard solution used to prime intravenous lines before a blood transfusion, as it can bridge any volume needed while maintaining the blood’s physiological properties. It does not contain any additives that could potentially react with blood components, making it the safest choice for compatibility with transfusions. The other options differ in composition and tonicity, making them unsuitable for use with blood products. For instance, 5% dextrose in water could result in hemolysis due to its hypotonic nature once the dextrose is metabolized. Lactated Ringer's solution and Ringer’s solution contain electrolytes and can alter the osmotic balance of blood, which could also lead to adverse reactions during transfusion.

When administering blood product transfusions, the most compatible solution is 0.9% sodium chloride, commonly known as normal saline. This isotonic solution maintains osmotic balance and does not cause hemolysis of red blood cells, which would occur with hypertonic or hypotonic solutions.

Normal saline is also the standard solution used to prime intravenous lines before a blood transfusion, as it can bridge any volume needed while maintaining the blood’s physiological properties. It does not contain any additives that could potentially react with blood components, making it the safest choice for compatibility with transfusions.

The other options differ in composition and tonicity, making them unsuitable for use with blood products. For instance, 5% dextrose in water could result in hemolysis due to its hypotonic nature once the dextrose is metabolized. Lactated Ringer's solution and Ringer’s solution contain electrolytes and can alter the osmotic balance of blood, which could also lead to adverse reactions during transfusion.