A neonate born to a multiparous mother with Rh negative blood is being evaluated for the potential of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN)and has a positive direct Coombs' antiglobulin test (DAT).The nurse's priority intervention should be to:
A)Assess jaundice at birth or onset in the first 24 hours.
B)Administer Rh immune globulin vaccine to the neonate at birth.
C)Instruct the mother in the benefits of formula feeding to prevent jaundice.
D)Keep the neonate NPO until after exchange transfusion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The priority intervention for a positive direct Coombs' test in a neonate born to a mother with Rh negative blood is to assess for jaundice at birth or onset in the first 24 hours. This is because a positive Coombs' test indicates that the neonate may have hemolytic disease of the newborn, which can cause severe jaundice and potentially lead to serious complications. Timely identification and treatment of jaundice is essential in preventing complications and ensuring appropriate treatment. Administering Rh immune globulin vaccine to the neonate at birth or instructing the mother in the benefits of formula feeding are not appropriate interventions in this situation. Keeping the neonate NPO until after an exchange transfusion is also not necessary unless specifically ordered by the healthcare provider.

A Neonate Born to a Multiparous Mother with Rh Negative