Most cases of hemolytic disease of the newborn can be prevented by administering ____ to the Rh-negative mother.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hemolytic disease of the newborn results from Rh incompatibility between the mother and the fetus, where the mother is Rh-negative and the fetus is Rh-positive. During delivery or pregnancy, fetal blood can mix with the mother's blood, leading to sensitization where the mother develops antibodies that can cross the placental barrier and attack the fetal blood cells. RhoGAM is a medication given to Rh-negative mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy and within 72 hours after delivery to prevent sensitization by binding to and destroying any Rh-positive fetal cells that have entered the mother's bloodstream, thereby preventing subsequent immune-mediated damage to the fetus. Red blood cells, gamma globulin, or hemoglobins are not effective in preventing sensitization and hemolytic disease of the newborn in this context.

Most Cases of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn Can Be