Question

When should RHO (o) immune globulin (rhogram) be administered?

1) During pregnancy
2) After childbirth
3) After a miscarriage or abortion
4) All of the above

Answer 1

RHO (O) immune globulin (RhoGAM) should be administered during the 26th to 28th week of pregnancy, within 72 hours after childbirth, and following a miscarriage or abortion to prevent HDN by destroying any fetal Rh-positive blood cells in the maternal bloodstream.

Step-by-step explanation:

RHO (O) immune globulin (RhoGAM) should be administered during pregnancy, after childbirth, and after a miscarriage or abortion. Specifically, RhoGAM is normally given during weeks 26-28 of pregnancy and within 72 hours following birth to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). RhoGAM works by destroying any fetal Rh-positive erythrocytes that might have crossed into the maternal circulation, preventing the mother from producing Rh antibodies that could harm current or future pregnancies. In scenarios where there may be an increased risk of fetal blood mixing with maternal blood, such as amniocentesis or abdominal trauma, additional doses may be necessary.