Question

In _________, antibodies produced by the mother are transmitted to a fetus or newborn infant and cause brain damage or death.

1) preeclampsia
2) Rh incompatibility
3) Spina bifida
4) FAS

Answer 1

The condition that involves antibodies transmitted from the mother causing potential harm to a fetus or newborn is Rh incompatibility, specifically hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).

Step-by-step explanation:

In the scenario described, antibodies produced by the mother are transmitted to a fetus or newborn infant, potentially causing brain damage or death. The condition this question refers to is Rh incompatibility, or specifically, hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), also known as erythroblastosis fetalis. When an Rh-negative mother has been exposed to Rh-positive red blood cells, she may produce IgG antibodies against the Rh antigen. These antibodies can cross the placenta in subsequent pregnancies if another Rh-positive fetus is present, destroying fetal red blood cells and potentially leading to severe anemia, brain damage, or fetal death. Early prevention involves administering Rho(D) immune globulin to the mother to prevent the formation of these antibodies.