A patient is to receive one unit of packed red blood cells over 2 hours. What is the usual flow rate for the first 15 minutes of a blood transfusion?

The usual flow rate for the first 15 minutes of a blood transfusion is set to allow for careful monitoring of the patient and to minimize the risk of transfusion reactions. During this initial period, it is standard to start with a slower infusion rate.

For a unit of packed red blood cells that is to be infused over 2 hours, starting with a flow rate of 2 mL per minute perfectly aligns with safety protocols. This will ensure that the patient can be observed for any signs of an adverse reaction while the blood is being administered. If the infusion is well tolerated, the flow rate can be increased for subsequent periods to meet the overall goal of infusing the blood in the designated time frame.

This practice emphasizes the importance of patient safety and the prudent management of transfusion-related risks.