Administering PRBCs: Standard Rate

A nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) to a patient diagnosed with severe anemia. Before starting the transfusion, the nurse reviews the patient’s blood type, which is A positive. It is critical to avoid adverse reactions that can occur during blood transfusions. To ensure compatibility, the nurse must select the correct blood component and must also be aware of the volume of blood typically transferred. Packed red blood cells are usually transfused at a rate of approximately ______ mL per hour, based on university protocol and guidelines.