Question

On the first postpartum day, a neonate diagnosed with an ABO incompatibility has a bilirubin level of 10 mg/dL (170 µmol/L). After teaching the parents about this condition, which statement by the parents about the neonate indicates the need for additional teaching?

Answer 1

"The baby will need an exchange transfusion with type A blood."

Step-by-step explanation:

The mother would need to be enlightened about how ABO incompatibility works and the necessary solution. She said "The baby will need an exchange transfusion with type A blood." However ABO compatibility happens when the mother has type O blood group and the neonate is either A, B, or AB and unless the bilirubin concentration reaches dangerous levels such as (~20 mg/dL or 342 umol/L), there is no need for an exchange transfusion. If an exchange transfusion does become necessary, type O blood is used or treatment with phototherapy.