Asked by john

Why is it important to know a person's 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.

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
A patient who is Rh– can receive only Rh– blood.

Reason: Rh– individuals lack the D antigen and can form anti‑D antibodies if given Rh+ blood, causing hemolytic transfusion reactions (and problems in future pregnancies). Rh+ people already have the D antigen and can receive either Rh+ or Rh– blood.