Chapter 15 The Gastrointestinal System Review Questions Related

Review Chapter 15 The Gastrointestinal System Review Questions related questions and content

The patient experienced a blood transfusion reaction. How should the nurse explain to the patient the cause of the hemolytic jaundice that occurred?

  • A. Results from hepatocellular disease
  • B. Due to a malaria parasite breaking apart red blood cells (RBCs)
  • C. Results from decreased flow of bile through the liver or biliary system
  • D. Due to increased breakdown of RBCs that caused elevated serum unconjugated bilirubin
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Hemolytic jaundice in a blood transfusion reaction is due to increased breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs) causing elevated serum unconjugated bilirubin. This occurs when the patient's immune system reacts to the transfused blood, leading to destruction of RBCs. The breakdown of these cells releases hemoglobin, which is metabolized into bilirubin. This unconjugated bilirubin then accumulates in the blood, causing jaundice.

Choice A is incorrect because hepatocellular disease does not directly cause hemolytic jaundice. Choice B is incorrect as malaria parasite breaking apart RBCs leads to hemolysis, not a blood transfusion reaction. Choice C is incorrect as decreased bile flow through the liver or biliary system typically causes obstructive jaundice, not hemolytic jaundice.