Question

The laboratory results for a postpartum woman are as follows: blood type, A; Rh status, positive; rubella titer, 1:8 (EIA 0.8); hematocrit, 30%. How would the nurse best interpret these data?

a. Rubella vaccine should be given.
b. A blood transfusion is necessary.
c. Rh immune globulin is necessary within 72 hours of birth.
d. A Kleihauer-Betke test should be performed.

Answer 1

The nurse should interpret the data as a potential risk for hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) due to Rh factor incompatibility. Immunization strategies should be implemented to prevent sensitization in future pregnancies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse would best interpret these data as a potential risk for hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). The postpartum woman's blood type is A, Rh status is positive, and rubella titer is 1:8 (EIA 0.8). A rubella titer of 1:8 indicates a low level of rubella immunity, increasing the risk of rubella infection during pregnancy. Rh positive status indicates a potential for Rh factor incompatibility between mother and fetus, which can lead to HDN. Therefore, the nurse should recommend administration of Rh immune globulin within 72 hours of birth to prevent sensitization in future pregnancies.