What are the signs of an acute hemolytic reaction to a blood transfusion?

What are the signs of an acute hemolytic reaction to a blood transfusion?

• A. Nausea, headache, and muscle pain
• B. Fever, chills, hypotension, and hemoglobinemia
• C. Skin rash and itching
• D. Shortness of breath and coughing

Answer: (B)

An acute hemolytic reaction to a blood transfusion is characterized by a rapid destruction of red blood cells due to an immune response against transfused blood that is recognized as foreign. The typical signs of such a reaction include fever, chills, hypotension, and hemoglobinemia. Fever and chills commonly occur as a result of the immune system's response to the transfused blood products. Hypotension reflects a severe reaction that can lead to a drop in blood pressure due to the release of inflammatory mediators and the shock state induced by blood cell lysis. Hemoglobinemia, the presence of hemoglobin in the blood, occurs when red blood cells are destroyed at a significant rate, releasing hemoglobin into circulation. These symptoms occur shortly after the start of the transfusion and require immediate medical attention to manage and mitigate the patient's reaction. Recognizing these signs can be critical for healthcare providers to initiate appropriate interventions to ensure patient safety during such transfusion reactions.

An acute hemolytic reaction to a blood transfusion is characterized by a rapid destruction of red blood cells due to an immune response against transfused blood that is recognized as foreign. The typical signs of such a reaction include fever, chills, hypotension, and hemoglobinemia.

Fever and chills commonly occur as a result of the immune system's response to the transfused blood products. Hypotension reflects a severe reaction that can lead to a drop in blood pressure due to the release of inflammatory mediators and the shock state induced by blood cell lysis. Hemoglobinemia, the presence of hemoglobin in the blood, occurs when red blood cells are destroyed at a significant rate, releasing hemoglobin into circulation.

These symptoms occur shortly after the start of the transfusion and require immediate medical attention to manage and mitigate the patient's reaction. Recognizing these signs can be critical for healthcare providers to initiate appropriate interventions to ensure patient safety during such transfusion reactions.