Pharmacology Proctored ATI Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive Test Prep

To prime the blood administration tubing for a transfusion of packed red blood cells, the nurse should use 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline). Normal saline is the preferred solution for priming blood administration tubing because it is isotonic, meaning it has a similar osmolarity to blood, which helps prevent hemolysis of the red blood cells being transfused.

The other options, such as dextrose solution, Ringer's solution, and sterile water, are not suitable for priming blood administration tubing for a packed red blood cell transfusion as they can cause adverse reactions, hemolysis, or other complications when in contact with red blood cells.