Question

multiple choice question
why can a transfusion reaction be fatal?

opportunistic infections may develop.

the production of plasma proteins increases, altering kidney function.

free hemoglobin can block the kidney tubules and cause death from acute renal failure.

the binding sites for oxygen in hemoglobin are exposed.

Explanation:

• "Opportunistic infections may develop" is incorrect as transfusion reactions are not primarily about opportunistic infections (those are more related to immunocompromised states like in AIDS, not transfusion reactions).
• "The production of plasma proteins increases, altering kidney function" is incorrect. Transfusion reactions don't cause increased plasma protein production to alter kidney function in this way.
• "Free hemoglobin can block the kidney tubules and cause death from acute renal failure" is correct. In a transfusion reaction (like hemolytic transfusion reaction), red blood cells are destroyed, releasing free hemoglobin. This hemoglobin can be filtered by the kidneys and block the tubules, leading to acute renal failure which can be fatal.
• "The binding sites for oxygen in hemoglobin are exposed" is incorrect. This doesn't relate to why a transfusion reaction is fatal.

Answer:

Free hemoglobin can block the kidney tubules and cause death from acute renal failure.