What are the two main categories of severe adverse reactions to blood products?

The two main categories of severe adverse reactions to blood products are anaphylaxis and acute hemolysis. Anaphylaxis is a rapid and severe allergic reaction that can occur due to the introduction of foreign proteins present in blood products. This reaction can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, and a drop in blood pressure, requiring immediate medical intervention.

Acute hemolysis, which can occur as a result of blood type incompatibility, occurs when the recipient's immune system attacks the transfused red blood cells, leading to the breakdown of these cells. This can cause severe complications, including kidney failure, shock, and even death if not promptly addressed.

Understanding these two categories is critical for healthcare providers when monitoring patients who receive blood products, as recognizing the signs of these reactions early can significantly impact patient outcomes. The other options, such as fever, abdominal pain, and nausea, can occur with blood transfusions but are not classified as the primary categories of severe adverse reactions.