Which blood group can be administered to a patient in emergency when his blood group is not known?

JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Explanation

O negative blood is known as the 'universal donor' for red blood cells.
The surface of O negative red blood cells lacks the A, B, and Rh antigens.
Because it has no antigens, it does not trigger an immune reaction when transfused into a patient with any other blood type.
This makes it the safest and only choice for transfusion in an emergency when the patient's blood type is unknown.

Option A: O positive blood has the Rh antigen on its surface. If transfused into an Rh-negative patient, it can cause a significant and potentially fatal immune reaction (hemolytic transfusion reaction).
Option B: AB positive blood is the 'universal recipient,' not the universal donor. Its red blood cells have both A and B antigens, which would cause a reaction in anyone who is not also AB positive.
Option C: AB negative blood contains both A and B antigens. It can only be given to patients with AB negative or AB positive blood types.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Prioritize focused assessment, early escalation, and real-time monitoring when managing Blood group compatibility and the principles of blood transfusion in emergency situations in acute care settings.
In a trauma or emergency setting, a nurse's priority is rapid and safe patient care. Knowing that O-negative blood is the universal donor is critical for initiating life-saving transfusions when time is of the essence.
A core nursing responsibility is the prevention of transfusion reactions. This involves meticulously verifying patient identity and blood product compatibility before administration. In emergencies, the protocol relies on using O-negative blood to bypass this risk.
What if? - If the patient were a female of childbearing age, using O-negative blood is even more critical. Giving Rh-positive blood (like O+) to an Rh-negative female can sensitize her immune system, leading to the production of anti-Rh antibodies. This can cause hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn in future pregnancies if she carries an Rh-positive baby.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'emergency' and 'blood group not known'.
These keywords signal a need for a blood type that is safe for anyone, regardless of their own blood type.
Recall the concept of the 'universal donor' in blood transfusions.
Evaluate the options based on the presence of antigens (A, B, Rh). The universal donor must lack all major antigens that could trigger an immune reaction.
O negative blood lacks A, B, and Rh antigens, making it the correct choice. The other options all have at least one antigen (Rh for O+, A and B for AB+ and AB-) that makes them unsafe for an unknown recipient.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Blood group compatibility and the principles of blood transfusion in emergency situations.
Stem keywords: blood group, emergency, administered, not known
Lead-in keywords: Which
Clinical cues: The care setting changes urgency, monitoring level, and the expected nursing action.
Negative lead-in flag: false

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