Blood Composition and Functions
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Questions and Answers

What can cause Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)?

  • Excessive iron levels in the mother's diet
  • Incompatible ABO blood types between mother and child (correct)
  • High levels of oxygen in the mother's blood
  • Infection in the mother's lymphatic system

Which of the following statements is true regarding the Rh factor?

  • Rh-negative mothers may produce antibodies against Rh-positive blood (correct)
  • Rh-positive blood does not contain any Rh antigens
  • Rh-positive mothers cannot have Rh-negative babies
  • Rh-negative individuals can only receive Rh-positive blood

Which blood group antigen is found on the surface of type A red blood cells?

  • B antigen
  • O antigen
  • A antigen (correct)
  • AB antigen

What is primarily responsible for the production of erythrocytes in adults?

<p>Bone marrow (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition may result from an Rh incompatibility during pregnancy?

<p>Erythroblastosis fetalis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does erythropoietin play in erythropoiesis?

<p>It stimulates red blood cell production (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which blood group is considered universal donor?

<p>Type O (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the ABO blood group system determined?

<p>Through genetic inheritance of specific antigens (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of blood group antigens?

<p>They can provoke immune responses in incompatible transfusions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the clotting cascade?

<p>Fibrinogen is converted into fibrin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the O allele contribute to the ABO blood group system?

<p>Does not modify the glycoprotein (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the Rh factor is true?

<p>Rh- blood lacks the Rh antigen on the surface of red blood cells. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is haemolytic disease of the newborn commonly prevented?

<p>Injection of Anti-D during pregnancy and after delivery. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Australian population has O+ blood type?

<p>40% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which antigen modification occurs with the A allele in the ABO blood group system?

<p>Addition of N-acetyl galactosamine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the case of Rh incompatibility, what can happen during subsequent pregnancies?

<p>The mother can produce harmful anti-Rh antibodies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of a Rh- mother receiving Rh+ blood?

<p>Production of anti-Rh antibodies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is typically administered to Rh- mothers during pregnancy to prevent Rh disease?

<p>Anti-D immunoglobulin. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How often are anti-Rh antibodies administered to ensure safety against haemolytic disease?

<p>At 28 and 34 weeks of gestation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is the administration of anti-D immunoglobulin not necessary?

<p>An Rh+ woman after childbirth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for administering anti-D immunoglobulin to an Rh- mother?

<p>To prevent the generation of anti-D antibodies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition might necessitate immediate administration of anti-D immunoglobulin?

<p>Antepartum haemorrhage occurring in the third trimester (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sensitizing event that may result in the need for anti-D immunoglobulin?

<p>Amniocentesis procedure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In cases of sensitization, what is the primary concern for managing the fetus?

<p>Assessing antibody concentration carefully (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these procedures is NOT typically associated with a risk of sensitization in Rh- women?

<p>Routine blood tests (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential consequence for a fetus if a Rh- mother has sensitized and developed anti-D antibodies?

<p>Possibility of hemolytic disease of the newborn (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the issue of anti-D immunoglobulin supply a concern in some regions?

<p>Limited number of suitable donors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an effect of hemolytic disease of the newborn?

<p>Potential severe anemia in the newborn (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which blood group is NOT considered safe for a Rh- individual to receive without sensitization risks?

<p>A+ (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Blood Composition Layers

Layers of blood determined through haematocrit, including its components and functions.

Haemostasis

Process of stopping bleeding (blood clotting).

Clotting Cascade

Series of reactions leading to blood clotting.

Erythrocyte Production (Haematopoiesis)

Formation of red blood cells.

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Blood Groups

Categories of blood based on antigens (on red cells).

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Reticulocyte

Immature red blood cell.

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Erythropoiesis

Process of red blood cell formation

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Blood Plasma

The liquid component of blood.

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Blood Transfusion

Transfer of blood from one person to another.

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Haematocrit

A laboratory test to measure the volume of RBCs in blood.

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Rh- Sensitization

When an Rh-negative mother develops antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells, usually from exposure to the baby's blood during pregnancy or delivery.

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Anti-D Immunoglobulin

A medication given to Rh-negative mothers to prevent sensitization by destroying any Rh-positive fetal blood cells that enter the maternal circulation.

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When is Anti-D Given?

Anti-D is given after childbirth, any sensitization events like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, and before procedures like amniocentesis.

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Sensitization Events

Events that lead to an Rh-negative mother developing antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells, mainly from exposure to fetal blood during pregnancy or delivery.

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What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

When a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.

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What is the Risk of Sensitization for Rh-negative Mothers?

Rh-negative mothers are at risk of developing antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells, which can lead to problems for future pregnancies.

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What is Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn?

A condition that occurs when an Rh-negative mother's antibodies attack the red blood cells of an Rh-positive fetus or newborn, leading to anaemia or other complications.

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How is Haemolytic Disease Managed?

Management of haemolytic disease involves close monitoring of the mother and fetus, as well as potential interventions such as fetal transfusions.

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Why is Anti-D Important?

Anti-D is crucial for preventing sensitization in Rh-negative mothers, reducing the risk of haemolytic disease of the newborn.

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ABO Blood Group

A blood group system based on the presence or absence of A and B antigens on red blood cells. Individuals with the A allele produce the A antigen, those with the B allele produce the B antigen, and those with the O allele do not produce either antigen.

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Rh Factor

An antigen found on the surface of red blood cells. Individuals with the Rh factor are Rh+, while those without it are Rh-. The Rh factor is significant in blood transfusions and pregnancy.

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What is the Rh factor?

The Rh factor, or Rhesus factor, is an antigen found on the surface of red blood cells. This factor is important in determining blood compatibility.

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What is haemolysis?

The destruction or breakdown of red blood cells, often due to incompatible blood transfusions.

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Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)

A condition where the mother's immune system attacks the red blood cells of her fetus. This occurs when the mother is Rh- and the fetus is Rh+, and the mother's body develops anti-Rh antibodies.

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Anti-D Antibodies

Antibodies produced by the body in response to exposure to the Rh (D) antigen. They can cause haemolytic disease of the newborn if a Rh- mother is exposed to Rh+ fetal blood.

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Why is Anti-D important in pregnancy?

Anti-D is crucial for Rh- mothers during pregnancy because it prevents them from developing anti-Rh antibodies, which can harm a Rh+ fetus.

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How does Anti-D work?

Anti-D antibodies neutralize the Rh+ antigen, preventing the mother from developing anti-Rh antibodies that can harm the fetus.

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Blood Group Compatibility

The ability of one blood type to be successfully transfused into an individual with another blood type. For example, individuals with type O blood are universal donors, while those with type AB blood are universal recipients.

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Study Notes

Blood Composition

  • Blood is 55% plasma and 45% formed elements
  • Formed elements are 99% red blood cells (RBCs) and <1% white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets
  • Haematocrit is the percentage of blood volume occupied by RBCs (47% ± 5% for males, 42% ± 5% for females)

Blood Plasma

  • Primarily water (over 90%)
  • Proteins (7%): albumin (maintains osmotic pressure), globulins (transport and antibodies), fibrinogen (blood clotting)
  • Other substances: electrolytes, nutrients, hormones, gases, waste products

Blood Cells

  • Red blood cells (erythrocytes): biconcave discs, contain haemoglobin (gives blood its colour)
  • White blood cells (leukocytes): granular (eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils) and agranular (lymphocytes, monocytes)
  • Platelets (thrombocytes): cell fragments involved in clotting

Blood Functions

  • Transportation: oxygen, carbon dioxide, metabolic wastes, nutrients, heat, hormones, medications
  • Regulation: pH (buffers), body temperature (absorbing and distributing heat), intracellular fluid composition
  • Protection: immunity (WBCs), inflammation

Physical Characteristics of Blood

  • Thicker (more viscous) than water, flows more slowly
  • Temperature: 38°C
  • pH: around 7.4 (range 7.35-7.45)
  • Blood volume: 5-6 litres in males, 4-5 litres in females
  • 8% of total body weight

Haematopoiesis (RBC Production)

  • Occurs in bone marrow
  • Continuously replaced (100 billion/day)
  • Regulated by erythropoietin (EPO) released by kidneys

Blood Clotting

  • Cascade of reactions involving clotting factors (proteins, calcium) and platelets
  • Two main pathways:
  • Extrinsic: occurs when damaged tissues release factors
  • Intrinsic: occurs when platelets contact damaged endothelium
  • Forms a fibrin meshwork that traps blood cells and forms a clot

Blood Groups

  • ABO system: A, B, AB, O blood types; determined by surface antigens
  • Rh factor: Rh+ or Rh- blood type; another important surface antigen
  • Incompatibility can cause agglutination (clumping) leading to haemolytic reactions
  • Risk of haemolytic disease of newborns (HDN) if mothers have different blood types

Learning Outcomes

  • Brief description of blood layers composition and function from a haematocrit test
  • Process of haemostasis & clotting cascade
  • Erythrocyte production (haematopoiesis)
  • Basis of blood groups and safe transfusion

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Introduction to Blood PDF

Description

This quiz explores the components of blood, including plasma, formed elements, and their functions. Understand the roles of red and white blood cells, platelets, and blood plasma. Test your knowledge on haematocrit levels and the various substances found in blood.

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