Which type of fluid would the nurse piggyback with the blood transfusion?

When administering a blood transfusion, it is crucial to use the appropriate fluid for piggybacking to ensure both safety and effectiveness. The ideal choice in this scenario is 0.9% normal saline. This isotonic solution is compatible with blood products and helps maintain the osmotic balance, which prevents hemolysis of red blood cells.

Using normal saline during a transfusion has several benefits. It can help keep the intravenous line open and allows for the proper mixing and dilution of the blood product, ensuring that it flows effectively into the bloodstream. Additionally, normal saline does not contain any dextrose or additives that could react adversely with the blood components.

Other fluids, such as 5% dextrose in water, could cause hemolysis because dextrose can lead to the cells taking in too much fluid, which may lead to cell rupture. Lactated Ringer's solution contains electrolytes that could cause complications by altering the electrolyte balance in the patient when combined with blood. Similarly, half-normal saline (0.45% sodium chloride) is hypotonic and could create osmotic imbalances, which are not suitable for blood transfusions.

Therefore, using 0.9% normal saline is the standard practice for piggyback