Clinical Chemistry CAT 1 — Blood Transfusion – 13 MCQs | Kenya MBChB

13 Year 3: Hematopathology exam questions on Clinical Chemistry CAT 1 — Blood Transfusion for medical students. Includes MCQs, answers, explanations and written

This MCQ set contains 13 questions on Clinical Chemistry CAT 1 — Blood Transfusion in the Year 3: Hematopathology unit. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation for active recall and exam preparation.

Q1: Which blood type is considered the universal donor for red blood cells?

  1. A. Type A
  2. B. Type B
  3. C. Type AB
  4. D. Type O

Correct answer: D – Type O

Type O negative red blood cells lack both A and B antigens and the Rh factor, making them compatible with all other blood types.

Q2: Which blood type is considered the universal recipient for red blood cells?

  1. A. Type A
  2. B. Type B
  3. C. Type AB
  4. D. Type O

Correct answer: C – Type AB

Type AB positive individuals have both A and B antigens and the Rh factor on their red blood cells, so they do not produce antibodies against A, B, or Rh antigens and can receive red blood cells from any ABO and Rh blood type.

Q3: What is the main function of plasma in blood transfusions?

  1. A. To transport oxygen
  2. B. To carry nutrients
  3. C. To provide clotting factors
  4. D. To transport red blood cells

Correct answer: C – To provide clotting factors

Plasma contains clotting factors, antibodies, and other proteins essential for hemostasis and immune function, which are crucial when transfusing plasma.

Q4: Which of the following is a contraindication for blood transfusion?

  1. A. Severe anemia
  2. B. ABO incompatibility
  3. C. Blood loss from trauma
  4. D. Anemia from chronic disease

Correct answer: B – ABO incompatibility

ABO incompatibility between donor and recipient blood can lead to severe and life-threatening hemolytic reactions, making it an absolute contraindication for transfusion.

Q5: The term "crossmatch" in blood transfusion refers to:

  1. A. Testing for anemia
  2. B. Checking the compatibility between donor and recipient blood
  3. C. Determining the ABO blood group
  4. D. Testing for infectious diseases

Correct answer: B – Checking the compatibility between donor and recipient blood

A crossmatch is a procedure performed in blood banking to determine if a potential recipient's blood is compatible with a donor's blood before it is transfused.

Q6: Which of the following is a possible complication of blood transfusion?

  1. A. Hyperkalemia
  2. B. Graft versus host disease
  3. C. Hemolytic reaction
  4. D. All of the above

Correct answer: D – All of the above

Hyperkalemia can occur due to the release of potassium from stored red blood cells. Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a rare but serious complication where transfused lymphocytes attack the recipient's tissues. Hemolytic reactions are immune responses to incompatible blood.

Q7: Which antigen is present on the surface of red blood cells in Type B blood?

  1. A. A antigen
  2. B. B antigen
  3. C. AB antigen
  4. D. Rh antigen

Correct answer: B – B antigen

Type B blood has the B antigen on the surface of its red blood cells.

Q8: What is the most important factor in determining blood compatibility between a donor and recipient?

  1. A. ABO group
  2. B. Rh factor
  3. C. Hemoglobin levels
  4. D. Platelet count

Correct answer: A – ABO group

The ABO blood group system is the most critical factor for compatibility because individuals naturally produce antibodies against the A or B antigens they lack.

Q9: Which of the following is the primary concern in transfusing Rh-negative blood to an Rh-positive patient?

  1. A. Hemolytic reaction
  2. B. Infection
  3. C. Increased blood volume
  4. D. Transfusion-related lung injury

Correct answer: A – Hemolytic reaction

While Rh-positive patients can generally receive Rh-negative blood without immediate issues, an Rh-negative patient who receives Rh-positive blood can develop antibodies against the Rh factor, leading to a hemolytic reaction in future transfusions or during pregnancy.

Q10: What is the role of the Rh factor in blood transfusion?

  1. A. Determines the oxygen-carrying capacity
  2. B. Helps to determine the need for plasma transfusion
  3. C. Affects the likelihood of hemolytic reactions in pregnancy or transfusion
  4. D. Indicates the presence of iron deficiency

Correct answer: C – Affects the likelihood of hemolytic reactions in pregnancy or transfusion

The Rh factor (presence or absence of the D antigen) is important because individuals can develop antibodies against it, leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn or hemolytic transfusion reactions.

Q11: Which of the following components is typically transfused for patients with low platelet counts?

  1. A. Red blood cells
  2. B. Plasma
  3. C. Platelet concentrate
  4. D. Cryoprecipitate

Correct answer: C – Platelet concentrate

Platelet concentrate is the component of blood used to increase the platelet count in patients with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).

Q12: Which of the following should be monitored during a blood transfusion to detect possible complications?

  1. A. Heart rate and blood pressure
  2. B. Temperature
  3. C. Respiratory rate
  4. D. All of the above

Correct answer: D – All of the above

Monitoring vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and respiratory rate is crucial during a blood transfusion to quickly identify and manage potential adverse reactions.

Q13: Which of the following is a sign of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction?

  1. A. Fever and chills
  2. B. Low blood pressure
  3. C. Dark urine
  4. D. All of the above

Correct answer: D – All of the above

Acute hemolytic transfusion reactions can manifest with a range of symptoms including fever, chills, hypotension (low blood pressure), back pain, and dark or red-colored urine (hemoglobinuria).

View on OmpathStudy