JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-20…: Which blood group can be administered to a patient in emergency when his blood group is not known?

JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: JODHPUR AIIMS SNO-2018

Explanation

O negative blood is known as the universal donor for red blood cells.
This is because its red blood cells lack A, B, and Rh antigens on their surface.
The absence of these antigens prevents the recipient's immune system from launching an attack, which would cause a dangerous transfusion reaction.
In emergency situations where the patient's blood type is unknown and there is no time for cross-matching, O negative blood is the safest option.

Option A: O positive blood has the Rh antigen on its red blood cells. If transfused into an Rh-negative patient, it can trigger an immune response, leading to a transfusion reaction. Therefore, it is not universally safe.
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 severe immune reaction if given to a patient with type A, B, or O blood.
Option C: AB negative blood is not a universal donor. Its red blood cells have both A and B antigens, which would trigger an immune reaction in patients with type A, B, or O blood.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Prioritize focused assessment, early escalation, and real-time monitoring when managing Universal Blood Donor and Emergency Transfusion in acute care settings.
In emergency and trauma care, having a ready supply of O negative blood is critical for immediate transfusion to stabilize patients with massive blood loss when their blood type is unknown.
Nurses are responsible for verifying blood product compatibility before transfusion. In a non-emergency setting, this involves a two-person check of the patient's ID, blood type, and the blood product label against the physician's order.
What if? If an Rh-negative woman of childbearing age receives Rh-positive blood (like O+), she can become sensitized. If she later becomes pregnant with an Rh-positive fetus, her antibodies can attack the fetal red blood cells, causing hemolytic disease of the newborn. This is why O- is especially critical for this patient group in emergencies.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core question: What blood type is safe for anyone in an emergency?
Recognize that this is asking for the 'universal donor'.
Recall the ABO and Rh blood group systems. The universal donor must lack the primary antigens that cause immune reactions: A, B, and Rh.
Evaluate the options: 'O' blood lacks A and B antigens. 'Negative' blood lacks the Rh antigen.
Combine these two facts: O negative blood lacks all three major antigens (A, B, Rh) and is therefore the universal donor.
Select the option that matches this conclusion.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Universal Blood Donor and Emergency Transfusion
Stem keywords: blood group, emergency, 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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E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 1 p. 147-149