Question

During a prenatal visit a nurse explains to a client who is Rh negative when Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) will be administered to her. When is the best time to administer RhoGAM?

A. Within 72 hours after birth if the infant is Rh positive
B. Weekly during the 9th month if the mother is a multipara
C. Immediately after birth if the infant's Coombs' test is positive
D. During the second trimester if an amniocentesis indicates a problem

Answer 1

The best time to administer RhoGAM to an Rh negative mother is within 72 hours after birth if the infant is Rh positive. RhoGAM prevents the development of Rh antibodies and reduces the risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in subsequent pregnancies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best time to administer RhoGAM to an Rh negative mother is within 72 hours after birth if the infant is Rh positive. RhoGAM, also known as Rh immune globulin, is used to prevent the development of Rh antibodies in the mother's body, which can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) in subsequent pregnancies. By administering RhoGAM within 72 hours after birth, the mother's immune response to the Rh positive blood cells of the infant is suppressed, reducing the risk of HDN in future pregnancies.