What is a common symptom of a febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction?

A common symptom of a febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction is indeed a sudden increase in body temperature. This type of reaction typically occurs when a patient’s immune system reacts to white blood cells, platelets, or plasma proteins in the transfused blood component. The rise in temperature is the body's response to these foreign substances, and it is one of the most characteristic signs of such a reaction.

While other symptoms can occur in different types of transfusion reactions, the sudden increase in temperature specifically identifies febrile non-hemolytic reactions, setting it apart from other potential reactions like allergic reactions (which may include rash and hives) or more severe complications such as hemolytic reactions, which could present with excessive bleeding. Recognition of this symptom is crucial for appropriate monitoring and management of patients receiving blood transfusions.