What should be done if a patient had a previously identified antibody and receives incompatible blood?

What should be done if a patient had a previously identified antibody and receives incompatible blood?

• A. Observe for mild reactions only
• B. Immediately report to a doctor
• C. Stop the transfusion and initiate further testing
• D. Continue with transfusion monitoring

Answer: (C)

In the scenario where a patient has a known, previously identified antibody and receives incompatible blood, the most appropriate course of action is to stop the transfusion and initiate further testing. This is critical to prevent hemolytic reactions that can occur when incompatible blood is transfused, which can lead to serious complications, including acute hemolytic transfusion reactions. Stopping the transfusion is the immediate priority, as ongoing exposure to incompatible blood can exacerbate the patient's condition. Following this, further testing is warranted to ascertain the extent of the reaction and to ensure that appropriate interventions are implemented. This may involve cross-matching, identifying the specific antibody involved, and possibly providing supportive care or treatment for any reactions that may have occurred. Monitoring for reactions is indeed necessary, but it is secondary to the immediate step of halting the transfusion when an incompatible blood product is recognized. Observing the patient or reporting to a physician, although important steps in the transfusion protocol, do not address the urgent need to stop potentially harmful blood from being transfused into the patient.

In the scenario where a patient has a known, previously identified antibody and receives incompatible blood, the most appropriate course of action is to stop the transfusion and initiate further testing. This is critical to prevent hemolytic reactions that can occur when incompatible blood is transfused, which can lead to serious complications, including acute hemolytic transfusion reactions.

Stopping the transfusion is the immediate priority, as ongoing exposure to incompatible blood can exacerbate the patient's condition. Following this, further testing is warranted to ascertain the extent of the reaction and to ensure that appropriate interventions are implemented. This may involve cross-matching, identifying the specific antibody involved, and possibly providing supportive care or treatment for any reactions that may have occurred.

Monitoring for reactions is indeed necessary, but it is secondary to the immediate step of halting the transfusion when an incompatible blood product is recognized. Observing the patient or reporting to a physician, although important steps in the transfusion protocol, do not address the urgent need to stop potentially harmful blood from being transfused into the patient.