Transfusions and Blood Groups Flashcards
How is blood volume replenished? How is Oxygen carrying capacity improved?
The cardiovascular system can compensate for some amount of blood loss
Reduces volume of impaired blood vessels
Increases production of erythrocytes
Saline solutions improve circulation, but they will not improve O2 carrying capacity
Only transfusion of erythrocytes will restore O2 carrying capacity
What are the 4 blood human groups? How is a blood group defined?
These molecular markers, called antigens, are essential to the body’s ability to recognize “self” and “foe”
Antibodies, which exist in blood plasma, are the “recognizers” of antigens and the leaders of immune responses
Agglutination: the clumping together and destruction of inappropriately transfused erythrocytes
For this reason, antigens on erythrocytes can be referred to as agglutinogens
??
Be prepared to answer questions about what antigens and antibodies are present in different blood types.
The Possibilities: A, B, AB, and O
ABO blood groups will contain plasma antibodies for the antigens that are NOT present
Example: Type B blood contains anti-A antibodies
The most common blood type in North America is Type O Blood
Has neither A or B antigens
Has both anti-A and anti-B plasma antibodies
The least common blood type in North America is Type AB Blood
Has both A and B antigens
Has neither anti-A or anti-B plasma antibodies
What happens when inappropriately matched blood is transfused?
Reactions occur when mismatched blood is transfused – typically, the recipient’s plasma antibodies attack the donor’s erythrocytes
Agglutinated erythrocytes clog blood vessels, and the clumped cells begin to rupture
Upon rupture, Hgb is released into the blood steam
Circulating Hgb can lead to significant kidney damage and acute renal failure
Reaction Symptoms: fever, chills, low blood pressure, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, and general toxicity
What makes blood positive or negative? How does +/- status impact blood compatibility?
??
Define erythroblastosis fetalis. What causes it?
??
Be prepared to answer questions about blood type compatibility. For example, which types of blood could be received from a particular donor? Donated to a particular recipient?
slide 10
