Which of the following blood group combinations correctly match the agglutinogens and agglutinins in the plas… - NORCET 7 Prelims -2024

NORCET 7 Prelims -2024

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 7 Prelims -2024

Explanation

Blood group A is characterized by the presence of the 'A' antigen (agglutinogen) on the surface of red blood cells.
According to Landsteiner's law, the plasma of an individual with a specific antigen on their RBCs will contain antibodies (agglutinins) against the antigens they lack.
Therefore, a person with blood group A naturally produces anti-B antibodies in their plasma.
This combination is a fundamental principle of the ABO blood grouping system, crucial for safe blood transfusions.

Option B: This statement is incorrect because blood group B has only the B antigen on its red blood cells, not both A and B antigens.
Option C: This statement is incorrect because blood group AB has no antibodies (agglutinins) in the plasma. Its defining feature is the presence of both A and B antigens on the RBCs.
Option D: This statement incorrectly claims that blood group O has A and B agglutinogens. In fact, blood group O is defined by the complete absence of both A and B agglutinogens on its red blood cells.

Visual 1: Diagram - An infographic clearly illustrating the four ABO blood types. For each type, it should show a red blood cell with the correct surface antigens (or lack thereof) and the corresponding antibodies floating in the surrounding plasma.
Visual 2: Table - A compatibility chart for blood transfusions, showing which blood types can safely donate to and receive from others, highlighting the roles of universal donor (Type O) and universal recipient (Type AB).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing ABO blood group system: Antigens and Antibodies helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Knowledge of the ABO system is critical for ensuring safe blood transfusions. Administering incompatible blood triggers an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction, where the recipient's antibodies attack the donor's red blood cells, which can be life-threatening.
Blood typing and cross-matching are mandatory laboratory procedures before any transfusion to verify compatibility between the donor's blood and the recipient's blood.
Individuals with type O negative blood are known as 'universal donors' because their RBCs lack A, B, and Rh antigens, making them compatible with any recipient. Conversely, type AB positive individuals are 'universal recipients' as they lack plasma antibodies to A, B, or Rh antigens.

How to Approach the Question

Step 1: Identify that the question is asking for the correct combination of antigens (agglutinogens) on red blood cells and antibodies (agglutinins) in the plasma for a specific blood type.
Step 2: Recall the fundamental rule of the ABO system: The antibodies present in the plasma are always against the antigens that are absent on the red blood cells.
Step 3: Systematically evaluate each option based on this rule.
Step 4: For Option A: Check if 'Blood group A' has 'agglutinogen A' (Correct) and 'anti-B antibodies' (Correct, since B antigen is absent). Both parts are true, making this the correct answer.
Step 5: For Option B: Check 'Blood group B'. It should have B antigen, not A and B. This is incorrect.
Step 6: For Option C: Check 'Blood group AB'. It has both A and B antigens, so it should have no antibodies. The option states it has both anti-A and anti-B, which is incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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