Final answer:
Rh immunoglobulin administration is required in situations where there is a risk of transplacental hemorrhage, such as during the birth of a first Rh-positive child or procedures that may cause bleeding. By administering Rh immunoglobulin, the risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) caused by Rh incompatibility can be minimized in future pregnancies.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an Rh- mother carries an Rh+ baby, there is a risk of Rh factor incompatibility, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). Rh immunoglobulin administration is required in situations where there is a risk of transplacental hemorrhage, such as during the birth of a first Rh-positive child, umbilical blood sampling, chorionic villus sampling, abdominal trauma, or amniocentesis. By administering Rh immunoglobulin, the anti-Rh antibodies in the immune globulin will bind to the Rh factor of any fetal red blood cells that enter the mother's bloodstream, preventing the activation of the mother's primary antibody response and minimizing the risk of HDN in future pregnancies.