Final answer:
Rh-immune globulin, such as RhoGAM, is used to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) that occurs due to Rh factor incompatibility between an Rh-negative mother and her Rh-positive fetus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rh-immune globulin is effective in preventing hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) caused by Rh incompatibility. This condition occurs when an Rh-negative mother produces antibodies against the Rh-positive red blood cells of her fetus. To prevent this, human Rho(D) immune globulin (e.g., RhoGAM) is administered to the Rh-negative mother to prevent her immune system from attacking the Rh-positive red blood cells of the fetus.
The anti-Rh antibodies in the Rho(D) immune globulin bind to fetal Rh-positive cells that enter the mother's bloodstream, thereby preventing the mother from developing a primary antibody response against Rh-positive cells, which in turn minimizes the risk of HDN in current and future pregnancies.