What is the general approach to anemia treatment when transfusion is planned?

What is the general approach to anemia treatment when transfusion is planned?

• A. Platelet transfusion
• B. Iron supplementation only
• C. Replacement with type and screen or type crossmatch blood
• D. Hydration therapy

Answer: (C)

When transfusion is planned for anemia, the priority is to have compatible blood ready. This means identifying the patient’s ABO and Rh type and screening for unexpected antibodies (a type and screen). If the screen is negative, units can be crossmatched to the patient (type and crossmatch) so transfusion can proceed quickly. If antibodies are present, antigen‑negative units are selected and crossmatched to prevent reactions. This approach minimizes transfusion reactions and delays. Other options don’t address compatibility testing or preparing appropriate red blood cells: platelet transfusion targets platelet issues, iron alone may help only if the cause is iron deficiency, and hydration doesn’t substitute for compatible blood.

When transfusion is planned for anemia, the priority is to have compatible blood ready. This means identifying the patient’s ABO and Rh type and screening for unexpected antibodies (a type and screen). If the screen is negative, units can be crossmatched to the patient (type and crossmatch) so transfusion can proceed quickly. If antibodies are present, antigen‑negative units are selected and crossmatched to prevent reactions. This approach minimizes transfusion reactions and delays. Other options don’t address compatibility testing or preparing appropriate red blood cells: platelet transfusion targets platelet issues, iron alone may help only if the cause is iron deficiency, and hydration doesn’t substitute for compatible blood.