Question

Two days after giving birth, a client is to receive Rho(D) immune globulin. The client asks the nurse why this is necessary. The most appropriate response from the nurse is:

A. "Rho(D) immune globulin suppresses antibody formation in a woman with Rh-negative blood who gave birth to a baby with Rh-positive blood."
B. "Rho(D) immune globulin suppresses antibody formation in a woman with Rh-positive blood who gave birth to a baby with Rh-positive blood."
C. "Rho(D) immune globulin suppresses antibody formation in a woman with Rh-negative blood who gave birth to a baby with Rh-negative blood."
D. "Rho(D) immune globulin suppresses antibody formation in a woman with Rh-positive blood who gave birth to a baby with Rh-negative blood."

Answer 1

The correct response is "Rho(D) immune globulin suppresses antibody formation in a woman with Rh-negative blood who gave birth to a baby with Rh-positive blood." RhoGAM prevents the formation of anti-Rh antibodies, protecting future Rh-positive pregnancies from HDN.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate response from the nurse is: "Rho(D) immune globulin suppresses antibody formation in a woman with Rh-negative blood who gave birth to a baby with Rh-positive blood." This is because Rho(D) immune globulin, also known as RhoGAM, contains anti-Rh antibodies that prevent the mother's immune system from reacting against Rh-positive fetal red blood cells that may have entered her bloodstream during delivery. Without this prophylactic treatment, an Rh-negative mother might develop antibodies against Rh-positive cells, which can cause complications, such as hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), in subsequent pregnancies with Rh-positive babies. RhoGAM is administered during pregnancy and within 72 hours after childbirth to prevent the sensitization process and the potential development of HDN.