The nurse is preparing to administer a unit of red blood cells (RBCs) to an anemic client. From starting the infusion (puncturing the blood pack) to completion, infusion of the pack should occur within which time period?

  1. 8 hours
  2. 6 hours
  3. 4 hours
  4. 2 hours
Number 3 is correct.
Rationale: Transfusion rates for a unit of RBCs should occur within 4 hours. The 2-hour infusion would be appropriate for a client experiencing an emergency situation. The 6-hour and 8-hour infusion rates are too long.