What is one of the primary risks of blood transfusion?

One of the primary risks of blood transfusion is blood type mismatch. This occurs when a recipient is given blood from a donor that does not match their own blood type. If the blood types are incompatible, the recipient's immune system may recognize the transfused blood as foreign and initiate an immune response. This reaction can cause serious complications, including hemolytic reactions, which can result in fever, chills, kidney failure, shock, and even death. Proper blood typing and cross-matching are critical steps in ensuring that transfusions are safe and effective.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent risks associated with blood transfusions. Delayed wound healing is not a recognized risk, nor is increased energy levels a direct outcome of receiving a blood transfusion. Improvement in donor health is also not relevant to the risks for recipients undergoing transfusions. Thus, understanding the importance of blood type compatibility is essential in preventing the risks associated with transfusions.