Final answer:
The Rh status is assessed through a blood type and antibody screen during the first prenatal visit. This test checks for the presence of antibodies against the Rh antigen in the patient's blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the first prenatal visit, the Rh status is assessed through a blood type and antibody screen. This test checks for the presence of antibodies against the Rh antigen in the patient's blood. If the person is Rh-negative and is pregnant with an Rh-positive fetus, they may develop antibodies that could harm future pregnancies. To prevent this, they may be treated with a medication called RhoGAM.