Final answer:
To prevent sensitization and hemolytic disease of the newborn in an Rh-negative client undergoing an external version who lacked prenatal care, the nurse should prepare to administer Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM). This medication prevents the formation of Rh antibodies that can harm Rh-positive fetuses in current and future pregnancies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medication that a nurse should anticipate administering to a client with Rh-negative blood undergoing an external version and who did not receive adequate prenatal care is Rho(D) immune globulin. This treatment is crucial for preventing the production of Rh antibodies, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), a serious condition that may cause anemia or more severe complications in the fetus.
Rho(D) immune globulin, such as RhoGAM, is specifically designed to prevent sensitization to Rh-positive blood cells. In cases where an Rh-negative individual has not received prenatal care and has not been previously treated with Rho(D) immune globulin, it is important to administer it preceding an external version to protect any subsequent pregnancies from HDN. It works by binding any fetal Rh-positive erythrocytes that enter the maternal circulation, preventing the mother's immune system from generating a response that could harm future Rh-positive fetuses.