Who is at risk for rh isoimmunization and may require Rh D immune globulin?

Who is at risk for rh isoimmunization and may require Rh D immune globulin?

• A. All Rh-negative mothers
• B. Only those with a history of erythroblastosis fetalis
• C. Only mothers with previous blood transfusions
• D. Rh-negative mothers exposed to Rh-positive blood

Answer: (D)

Rh isoimmunization occurs when an Rh-negative mother is exposed to Rh-positive blood, typically through a pregnancy with an Rh-positive fetus. If the mother’s immune system is exposed to the Rh factor from the fetus, she may produce antibodies against Rh-positive blood. This can pose serious risks in current or future pregnancies, as the antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the red blood cells of another Rh-positive fetus, potentially leading to conditions such as hemolytic disease of the newborn. Rh D immune globulin (such as Rho(D) immune globulin) is administered to Rh-negative mothers to prevent this sensitization process, particularly during pregnancy and after delivery if the newborn is Rh-positive. Therefore, not all Rh-negative mothers require this intervention; it is specifically those who have been exposed to Rh-positive blood, such as in the case of carrying an Rh-positive fetus or potential fetal-maternal hemorrhage. The other contexts provided do not encompass the risk of developing Rh isoimmunization as effectively. For instance, while all Rh-negative mothers are at some level of risk, the essential factor is the actual exposure to Rh-positive blood, which triggers the immune response. A history of erythroblastosis fetalis signifies a previous sensitization,

Rh isoimmunization occurs when an Rh-negative mother is exposed to Rh-positive blood, typically through a pregnancy with an Rh-positive fetus. If the mother’s immune system is exposed to the Rh factor from the fetus, she may produce antibodies against Rh-positive blood. This can pose serious risks in current or future pregnancies, as the antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the red blood cells of another Rh-positive fetus, potentially leading to conditions such as hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Rh D immune globulin (such as Rho(D) immune globulin) is administered to Rh-negative mothers to prevent this sensitization process, particularly during pregnancy and after delivery if the newborn is Rh-positive. Therefore, not all Rh-negative mothers require this intervention; it is specifically those who have been exposed to Rh-positive blood, such as in the case of carrying an Rh-positive fetus or potential fetal-maternal hemorrhage.

The other contexts provided do not encompass the risk of developing Rh isoimmunization as effectively. For instance, while all Rh-negative mothers are at some level of risk, the essential factor is the actual exposure to Rh-positive blood, which triggers the immune response. A history of erythroblastosis fetalis signifies a previous sensitization,