Which sign indicates an allergic transfusion reaction during a blood transfusion?

Which sign indicates an allergic transfusion reaction during a blood transfusion?

• A. Generalized urticaria
• B. Blood pressure 184/92 mm Hg
• C. Distended jugular veins
• D. Bilateral flank pain

Answer: (A)

An allergic transfusion reaction is primarily characterized by the body's immune response to foreign proteins present in transfused blood components. Generalized urticaria, also known as hives, is a noticeable dermatological symptom that manifests as red, itchy welts on the skin. This reaction is caused by the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells in response to allergens found in the transfused blood. In contrast, the other options describe signs that may indicate different types of transfusion reactions or complications. For instance, elevated blood pressure can result from a variety of factors, including anxiety or fluid overload, but it is not specific to an allergic reaction. Distended jugular veins might indicate fluid overload or heart failure rather than an allergic response. Bilateral flank pain is more suggestive of a hemolytic reaction or a renal issue associated with transfusion complications. The presence of generalized urticaria aligns directly with the immunological mechanism underlying allergic reactions, making it the most appropriate indicator of an allergic transfusion reaction.

An allergic transfusion reaction is primarily characterized by the body's immune response to foreign proteins present in transfused blood components. Generalized urticaria, also known as hives, is a noticeable dermatological symptom that manifests as red, itchy welts on the skin. This reaction is caused by the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells in response to allergens found in the transfused blood.

In contrast, the other options describe signs that may indicate different types of transfusion reactions or complications. For instance, elevated blood pressure can result from a variety of factors, including anxiety or fluid overload, but it is not specific to an allergic reaction. Distended jugular veins might indicate fluid overload or heart failure rather than an allergic response. Bilateral flank pain is more suggestive of a hemolytic reaction or a renal issue associated with transfusion complications.

The presence of generalized urticaria aligns directly with the immunological mechanism underlying allergic reactions, making it the most appropriate indicator of an allergic transfusion reaction.