Transfusion: acute haemolytic reaction: practice question

A Anaesthesia question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anaesthesia · Transfusion: acute haemolytic reaction

Sample item

Ten minutes into a red cell transfusion, an anaesthetised patient develops hypotension, haemoglobinuria and oozing from wounds. What is the first step?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Stop the transfusion, keep the line open with saline and recheck patient and unit identity

ABO-incompatible transfusion causes acute haemolysis and DIC. The transfusion is stopped immediately, the identity of the patient and unit is checked, and the blood bank is informed, with fluids, urine output support and treatment of DIC. The bag is returned for testing.

Option by option

  • A. Continue and observe

    Observing risks fatal reaction.

  • B. Slow the transfusion

    Slowing continues the harm.

  • C. Stop the transfusion, keep the line open with saline and recheck patient and unit identity (correct)

    Correct. Stopping the transfusion limits further exposure.

  • D. Give more blood quickly

    More blood worsens haemolysis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is C, Stop the transfusion, keep the line open with saline and recheck patient and unit identity. ABO-incompatible transfusion causes acute haemolysis and DIC.

Why is "Continue and observe" not the answer?

Observing risks fatal reaction.

Why is "Slow the transfusion" not the answer?

Slowing continues the harm.

Why is "Give more blood quickly" not the answer?

More blood worsens haemolysis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Transfusion: acute haemolytic reaction in Anaesthesia. The transfusion is stopped immediately, the identity of the patient and unit is checked, and the blood bank is informed, with fluids, urine output support and treatment of DIC. The bag is returned for testing.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Transfusion: acute haemolytic reaction?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.