Question

An antepartal client is Rh-negative and understands that she will receive a RhoGAM injection during her pregnancy. The client asks the nurse if she will also receive a RhoGAM injection after the birth of her baby. The client will receive RhoGAM after the birth if blood tests are:

a) Rh-positive
b) Rh-negative
c) ABO-positive
d) ABO-negative

Answer 1

A Rh-negative mother will receive a RhoGAM injection after birth if the baby is Rh-positive to prevent the development of antibodies that can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn in subsequent pregnancies.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an Rh-negative expectant mother has an Rh-positive baby, there is a potential for the mother's body to produce anti-Rh antibodies. These antibodies can have detrimental effects in subsequent pregnancies with Rh-positive babies, causing a condition known as hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). Administration of RhoGAM, which is Rh immune globulin, helps prevent the formation of these antibodies. It is given during the 26-28 weeks of pregnancy and within 72 hours after childbirth if the baby is Rh-positive. Therefore, the client will receive a RhoGAM injection after the birth of her baby if blood tests show that the baby is Rh-positive, which means option (a) is the correct answer.