Clinical case #2

    Presentation

Mrs. R.B., a 50-year-old teacher, is diagnosed with an upper GI bleed secondary to a perforated ulcer. When it is explained to her that she will need to receive multiple blood transfusions as part of her treatment, she becomes quite anxious. She explains that in the mid-80’s, she received a blood transfusion and contracted hepatitis C as a consequence.

Questions to consider:
  • What are the risks of contracting infectious diseases from blood products in 2007?
  • How would you explain these risks in lay terms to the patient? 
 ©qscalpel (photo by Adam Szulewski)