Maternity Nursing: Antepartum Q 13
Rho (D) immune globulin (RhoGAM) is prescribed for a woman following delivery of a newborn infant and the nurse provides information to the woman about the purpose of the medication. The nurse determines that the woman understands the purpose of the medication if the woman states that it will protect her next baby from which of the following?
A. Being affected by Rh incompatibility.
B. Having Rh-positive blood.
C. Developing a rubella infection.
D. Developing physiological jaundice.
Correct Answer: A. Being affected by Rh incompatibility.
Rh incompatibility can occur when an Rh-negative mom becomes sensitized to the Rh antigen. Sensitization may develop when an Rh-negative woman becomes pregnant with a fetus who is Rh-positive. Administration of Rho(D) immune globulin prevents the woman from developing antibodies against Rh-positive blood by providing passive antibody protection against the Rh antigen.
Option B: During pregnancy and at delivery, some of the baby’s Rh-positive blood can enter the maternal circulation, causing the woman’s immune system to form antibodies against Rh-positive blood.
Option C: Rubella can be prevented with MMR vaccine. This protects against three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella. CDC recommends children get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults also should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination.
Option D: The best preventive of infant jaundice is adequate feeding. Breast-fed infants should have eight to 12 feedings a day for the first several days of life. Formula-fed infants usually should have 1 to 2 ounces (about 30 to 60 milliliters) of formula every two to three hours for the first week.