Final answer:
Erythroblastosis fetalis is a condition that can occur when an Rh-negative mother who has been sensitized to Rh-positive blood has a subsequent pregnancy with an Rh-positive child, leading to hemolysis of fetal red blood cells. Prevention includes administering anti-Rh antibodies to the mother during pregnancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Erythroblastosis fetalis, also known as hemolytic disease of the newborn, can result from a specific immune response condition. This occurs when an Rh-negative mother who has previously been sensitized to Rh-positive blood has a child with an Rh-positive father. During the first pregnancy, if any fetal blood cells from an Rh-positive fetus enter the mother's bloodstream, her immune system may produce anti-Rh antibodies. If the mother becomes pregnant again with another Rh-positive child, these antibodies can cross the placenta, reach the fetus, and cause hemolysis of the fetal red blood cells, leading to erythroblastosis fetalis. The key prevention strategy for this condition includes administering anti-Rh antibodies, such as RhoGAM, to the mother during the first pregnancy and any subsequent Rh-positive pregnancies, to prevent the development of her own anti-Rh antibodies.