TCRN Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep for Your Test

Muscle rigidity is not a typical manifestation of a blood transfusion reaction. Transfusion reactions can occur for various reasons, including hemolytic reactions, allergic reactions, and febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions, each presenting with specific symptoms.

Hypotension and tachycardia are common signs seen during severe transfusion reactions, particularly in cases of hemolysis where there is an acute drop in blood pressure due to the release of inflammatory mediators and the systemic inflammatory response. Back pain can also be a symptom of a hemolytic transfusion reaction, as it may occur when there is a release of cytokines and damage occurs to red blood cells.

However, muscle rigidity is not associated with transfusion reactions and is more commonly related to other conditions, such as certain neurological disorders or severe adverse drug reactions, including neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Therefore, identifying muscle rigidity as a non-manifestation clarifies what symptoms are typically expected during a blood transfusion reaction.