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Before the administration of Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) the nurse reviews the laboratory data of a pregnant client. Which blood type and Coombs' test result must a pregnant woman have to receive RhoGAM after giving birth?

A. Rh positive and Coombs' positive
B. Rh negative and Coombs' positive
C. Rh positive and Coombs' negative
D. Rh negative and Coombs' negative

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The correct response is Option D: Rh negative and Coombs' negative. This is the required blood type and Coombs' test result for a pregnant woman to receive Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) after giving birth to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).

Step-by-step explanation:

The blood type and Coombs' test result that a pregnant woman must have to receive Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) after giving birth is Rh negative and Coombs' negative (Option D: Rh negative and Coombs' negative). RhoGAM is administered to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) by destroying fetal Rh+ erythrocytes that may cross the placental barrier into the bloodstream of an Rh- mother. This mother must not have made anti-Rh antibodies (hence the need for a negative Coombs' test, which checks for these antibodies). The administration of RhoGAM occurs during weeks 26-28 of pregnancy and within 72 hours following the birth, especially after the birth of the first Rh+ child where exposure to Rh+ blood may sensitize the mother. Its use has been pivotal in reducing the occurrence of HDN from about 13-14 percent to 0.1 percent in the United States.

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