Question

A client who is pregnant for the first time expels the products of conception at 12 weeks' gestation. The client's blood type is Rh negative. What should the nurse anticipate concerning the administration of Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM)?

A. RhoGAM is not necessary if the fetus died in utero
B. Administer RhoGAM immediately after the miscarriage
C. Administer RhoGAM within 72 hours after the miscarriage
D. RhoGAM will not be needed because the gestation was less than 20 weeks

Answer 1

The nurse should anticipate administering Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) to the client within 72 hours after the miscarriage because the client is Rh negative. This can prevent the development of Rh antibodies and reduce the risk of complications in future pregnancies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should anticipate administering Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) to the client within 72 hours after the miscarriage. RhoGAM is necessary because the client is Rh negative, and the expulsion of the products of conception increases the risk of sensitization. Administering RhoGAM within the recommended time frame can prevent the development of Rh antibodies in the client's immune system, reducing the risk of complications in future pregnancies.