What treatment prevents the development of kernicterus in an infant born with hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN)?
A) Administration of intravenous fluids to dilute the blood
B) Replacement transfusion of new Rh-positive blood that is not contaminated with anti-Rh antibodies
C) Performance of a splenectomy to prevent the destruction of abnormal erythrocytes
D) Replacement transfusion of Rh-negative erythrocytes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If antigenic incompatibility of the mother's erythrocytes is not discovered in time to administer Rh immunoglobulin and the child is born with HDN,then the treatment consists of exchange transfusions in which the neonate's blood is replaced with new Rh-positive blood that is not contaminated with anti-Rh antibodies.This treatment is administered during the first 24 hours of extrauterine life to prevent kernicterus.This selection is the only option that accurately prevents kernicterus.

What Treatment Prevents the Development of Kernicterus in an Infant