What is a common symptom of transfusion-associated circulatory overload?

Prepare for the AAB Medical Technologist (MT) Generalist Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to boost your understanding. Get exam-ready now!

Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) is a serious complication that can occur during or shortly after a blood transfusion. It is characterized by an excess volume of blood being infused, leading to an increased workload on the heart and fluid overload in the patient's system. One of the hallmark symptoms of TACO is shortness of breath. This occurs because the excess fluid can cause pulmonary edema—fluid buildup in the lungs—resulting in difficulty breathing and decreased oxygenation.

The other options may relate to different transfusion reactions; for example, fever and chills are more commonly associated with transfusion reactions due to immune responses, and nausea can be a general symptom related to various conditions including allergic reactions. Hypotension is generally associated with transfusion reactions of a different nature, such as hemolytic transfusion reactions. In the context of TACO, the presence of shortness of breath directly indicates the compromised respiratory status due to fluid overload, making it the correct answer.

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