Question

why is it important to know a persons rhesus factor before a blood transfusion? a patient who is rh+ can receive only rh- blood. a patient who is rh- can receive only rh+ blood. a patient who is rh+ can receive only rh+ blood. a patient who is rh- can receive only rh- blood.

Explanation:

The rhesus (Rh) factor is an antigen on red - blood cells. A person with Rh - negative blood has antibodies against Rh - positive blood. So, an Rh - negative patient can only receive Rh - negative blood to avoid an immune reaction. An Rh - positive patient can receive both Rh - positive and Rh - negative blood.

Answer:

D. A patient who is Rh- can receive only Rh- blood.