How much calcium gluconate should be given for every four units of blood transfused?

The correct answer is that 30 ml of calcium gluconate should be administered for every four units of blood transfused. This recommendation is based on the importance of preventing hypocalcemia, which can occur due to the citrate anticoagulant used in stored blood products. Citrate binds calcium in the bloodstream, and with large volumes of blood products, this can lead to lower calcium levels.

Administering 30 ml of calcium gluconate helps to ensure that calcium levels remain balanced during the transfusion process, thus preventing complications such as cardiac dysrhythmias or muscle spasms that could arise from hypocalcemia. This dosage is aligned with established medical guidelines for managing the risks associated with blood transfusions and is critical for maintaining patient safety during such procedures.