Final answer:
The statement that the D antigen is part of the ABO blood group system is false; it belongs to the Rh system. A man can donate blood to his wife if their blood types are compatible. Hemolytic disease of the newborn is more likely in a second pregnancy due to prior sensitization of the mother's immune system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The D antigen is not part of the ABO blood group system; this statement is false. The ABO blood group system consists of A, B, AB, and O blood types. The D antigen is actually part of the Rh blood group system, where it determines the positive or negative Rh factor. The presence of the D antigen on red blood cells signifies an Rh+ (positive) blood type, while its absence signifies an Rh- (negative) type.
Regarding the question if a man can donate blood to his wife, the answer depends on their respective blood types. If the man's blood type is compatible with his wife’s blood type, and no other blood incompatibilities exist such as mismatched Rh factors, then he can donate blood to his wife.
Hemolytic disease of the newborn is more likely to happen during a second pregnancy because the mother's immune system has been sensitized after the first pregnancy if she is Rh- and the fetus is Rh+. During a first pregnancy with an Rh+ fetus, the mother's body may start to create antibodies against Rh+ blood cells, but this typically does not affect the first child. In a subsequent pregnancy, these antibodies can cross the placenta and destroy the fetus's red blood cells, leading to hemolytic disease.