An infant was born with hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). What treatment does the healthcare professional anticipate for this baby?
A)Administration of intravenous fluids to dilute the blood
B)Replacement transfusion of Rh-positive blood 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 HDFN, 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. Kernicterus is not prevented by diluting the blood with IV fluids, splenectomy, or by giving Rh-negative blood.

An Infant Was Born with Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus