Which blood group is called a universal donor?

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Nsg Entrance-2017

Explanation

O-negative blood is considered the universal donor for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions.
This is because its RBCs lack A, B, and RhD antigens on their surface.
The absence of these antigens means a recipient's immune system is unlikely to recognize the transfused cells as foreign, preventing a transfusion reaction.

Option B: AB+ve is the universal recipient, not the universal donor. Individuals with this blood type can receive RBCs from any ABO/Rh group because they lack antibodies against A, B, or RhD antigens.
Option C: A+ve blood has both A and Rh antigens on the red blood cells. It can only be given to individuals with A+ or AB+ blood types, as recipients with other blood types would have an immune reaction against the A antigen.
Option D: B+ve blood has both B and Rh antigens on the red blood cells. It can only be given to individuals with B+ or AB+ blood types, as recipients with other blood types would have an immune reaction against the B antigen.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Blood group compatibility and universal donors helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
In emergency situations where a patient's blood type is unknown and they require immediate transfusion, O-negative blood is the first choice to prevent a fatal reaction.
A nurse's primary responsibility before any transfusion is to perform a two-person verification at the bedside, confirming patient identity and blood product compatibility.
What if? If the patient was known to be AB-positive, they could receive blood from any donor (A, B, AB, or O, both Rh+ and Rh-), as they are the universal recipient. The urgency to use O-negative blood would be eliminated.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'universal donor'.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about the ABO and Rh blood group systems.
Recall that 'universal donor' refers to the blood type that can be given to almost any patient in an emergency.
Evaluate the options based on the antigens present. The universal donor must lack the A, B, and Rh antigens to avoid an immune response.
This corresponds to the O-negative blood type, which lacks all three major antigens.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 1 pp. 147-149, 146-148

E6 PATHOLOGY QUICK REVIEWBased on Harsh Mohan Textbook of PATHOLOGY p. 137-139

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