Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

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Which blood type is considered the universal acceptor?

Type O
Type A
Type B
Type AB

The correct answer is: Type AB

Type AB blood is considered the universal acceptor because individuals with this blood type have both A and B antigens on the surface of their red blood cells, allowing them to accept red blood cells from any other blood type without experiencing an immune response. This lack of anti-A or anti-B antibodies in the plasma means that type AB individuals will not reject transfusions from any other blood type: A, B, AB, or O. In contrast, other blood types have specific antibodies against certain antigens. For example, type O blood, while considered the universal donor, contains antibodies against A and B antigens, which would cause a reaction if transfused into someone with type A, B, or AB blood. Similarly, type A has anti-B antibodies that would react against type B blood, and type B has anti-A antibodies that would react against type A blood. Thus, only type AB can receive without the risk of an adverse immune reaction.