Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

21. The Immune System

Outcomes of Antibody Binding to Antigen

Anatomy & Physiology

21. The Immune System

Outcomes of Antibody Binding to Antigen

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3:45 minutes

Problem 12

Textbook Question

What is a transfusion reaction, and why does it happen?
What are its possible consequences?

Verified step by step guidance

A transfusion reaction occurs when a recipient's immune system identifies the donor's blood as foreign and mounts an immune response against it. This typically happens due to incompatibility between the blood types of the donor and the recipient.

To understand why it happens, recall that red blood cells have surface antigens (e.g., A, B, AB, or O) and the Rh factor (positive or negative). If the donor's blood contains antigens that the recipient's immune system recognizes as foreign, antibodies in the recipient's plasma will bind to these antigens.

The binding of antibodies to the donor's red blood cells leads to agglutination (clumping) and hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells). This immune response is the primary cause of a transfusion reaction.

Possible consequences of a transfusion reaction include fever, chills, hemolysis, kidney damage, shock, and in severe cases, death. These occur due to the release of hemoglobin from lysed red blood cells and the subsequent immune and inflammatory responses.

To prevent transfusion reactions, blood typing and cross-matching tests are performed before transfusions to ensure compatibility between the donor's and recipient's blood types and Rh factors.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Transfusion Reaction

A transfusion reaction is an adverse response that occurs when a patient receives blood products that are incompatible with their own blood type. This can lead to the immune system attacking the transfused blood cells, resulting in symptoms such as fever, chills, and in severe cases, hemolysis, where red blood cells are destroyed.

Blood Typing and Compatibility

Blood typing is the process of determining an individual's blood group based on the presence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells. Compatibility is crucial in transfusions; mismatched blood types can trigger immune responses, leading to transfusion reactions. The ABO and Rh systems are the primary classifications used to ensure safe transfusions.

Consequences of Transfusion Reactions

The consequences of transfusion reactions can range from mild to life-threatening. Mild reactions may cause discomfort and require monitoring, while severe reactions can lead to complications such as acute hemolytic anemia, shock, organ failure, or even death. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential to mitigate these risks.

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