23. A client, who is gravida 2, para 1, delivered an 8-pound baby 24 hours ago. The client's blood type is B negative and the fetus is B positive. A physician orders an injection of Rho(D) immune globulin. A nurse understands that the Rho(D) immune globulin should be administered to this client to:
. Inactivate the fetal Rh antigens.
. Prevent the formation of Rh antigens.
. Provide immunity against Rh isoenzymes.
. Convert the Rh factor from negative to positive.
Test-Taking Tip
Remember the difference between an antigen and an antibody. The fetal red blood cells contain antigens; the mother's body will develop antibodies against the exposure to the antigen.
Content Area: Maternity, Postpartum; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies/Expected Effects/Outcomes
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Answer 1 is correct because Rho(D) immune globulin contains anti-Rh antibodies that work by destroying the fetal blood cells in the mother's blood before her body can react to them, inactivating the fetal antigens. Answer 2 is incorrect because Rho(D) immune globulin prevents formation of Rh antibodies, not the antigens. The fetal red blood cells contain the antigens; the mother's body develops antibodies to those antigens if Rho(D) immune globulin is not given. Answer 3 is incorrect because Rho(D) immune globulin does not provide immunity. There is no immunity that develops to the fetal antigens. Answer 4 is incorrect because Rho(D) immune globulin does not convert the client's blood from negative to positive. It is not possible to change the Rh factor from negative to positive.