Question:easy

The "lethal triad" (deadly triad) associated with massive blood transfusion classically comprises hypothermia, coagulopathy and acidosis. Which of the following is NOT a component of this classic lethal triad?

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Triad = hypothermia, coagulopathy, acidosis - potassium is not in it.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2026
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Coagulopathy
  • Hypothermia
  • Hypocalcemia
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

In major-haemorrhage and massive-transfusion physiology, three self-amplifying derangements define the lethal triad: a fall in core temperature, failure of clotting, and a drop in blood pH. Symbolically:

$\text{Lethal triad} = \{\,\text{hypothermia},\ \text{coagulopathy},\ \text{acidosis}\,\}$

Citrate in stored blood binds ionised calcium, producing hypocalcemia (the usual "fourth" metabolic partner), and old stored cells release potassium, producing hyperkalemia. Of the four listed, coagulopathy and hypothermia are core triad members and hypocalcemia is the closely linked metabolic associate, leaving potassium excess as the outsider.
\[\boxed{\text{Hyperkalemia is NOT a classic lethal-triad component}}\]
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