What is the primary purpose of administering Rho(D) immune globulin to Rh-negative mothers?

What is the primary purpose of administering Rho(D) immune globulin to Rh-negative mothers?

• A. To enhance fetal growth
• B. To eliminate pregnancy complications
• C. To prevent Rh immunization in future pregnancies
• D. To assist in lactation

Answer: (C)

The primary purpose of administering Rho(D) immune globulin to Rh-negative mothers is to prevent Rh immunization in future pregnancies. When an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus, there is a risk that the mother's immune system may become sensitized to Rh-positive blood cells, particularly during delivery or if there is any mixing of fetal and maternal blood during pregnancy. If sensitization occurs, the mother will produce antibodies against the Rh factor, which can lead to serious complications in future pregnancies, including hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). By administering Rho(D) immune globulin, typically during pregnancy and after delivery, the mother's immune response to Rh-positive blood cells is suppressed. This effectively prevents the formation of antibodies and helps ensure that future pregnancies, potentially involving Rh-positive infants, can proceed without the risk of immunologic complications. The other options do not align with the specific purpose of Rho(D) immune globulin. Enhancing fetal growth is not a direct effect of administering the immunoglobulin, nor does it address existing pregnancy complications or specifically assist in lactation. The primary focus is on safeguarding the mother’s future pregnancies through the prevention of Rh sensitization rather than addressing these other areas.

The primary purpose of administering Rho(D) immune globulin to Rh-negative mothers is to prevent Rh immunization in future pregnancies. When an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus, there is a risk that the mother's immune system may become sensitized to Rh-positive blood cells, particularly during delivery or if there is any mixing of fetal and maternal blood during pregnancy.

If sensitization occurs, the mother will produce antibodies against the Rh factor, which can lead to serious complications in future pregnancies, including hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). By administering Rho(D) immune globulin, typically during pregnancy and after delivery, the mother's immune response to Rh-positive blood cells is suppressed. This effectively prevents the formation of antibodies and helps ensure that future pregnancies, potentially involving Rh-positive infants, can proceed without the risk of immunologic complications.

The other options do not align with the specific purpose of Rho(D) immune globulin. Enhancing fetal growth is not a direct effect of administering the immunoglobulin, nor does it address existing pregnancy complications or specifically assist in lactation. The primary focus is on safeguarding the mother’s future pregnancies through the prevention of Rh sensitization rather than addressing these other areas.