A nurse is caring for a client who has just delivered her first newborn. The nurse anticipates hyperbilirubinemia due to Rh incompatibility. The nurse should understand that hyperbilirubinemia occurs with Rh incompatibility for which of the following reasons?
The client's blood does not contain the Rh factor, so she produces anti-Rh antibodies that cross the placental barrier and cause hemolysis of red blood cells in newborns.
The client's blood contains the Rh factor, and the newborn's does not, and antibodies that destroy red blood cells are formed in the fetus.
The client has a history of receiving a transfusion with Rh-negative blood.
The client's anti-A and anti-B antibodies cross the placenta and cause the destruction of the fetal red blood cells.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
In Rh incompatibility, if the mother's blood does not contain the Rh factor (Rh-negative) and she is exposed to Rh-positive blood (usually from the fetus during delivery), her immune system may produce anti-Rh antibodies. However, these antibodies do not typically cross the placental barrier during the first pregnancy. Rh incompatibility occurs when the mother's blood is Rh- negative, and she is carrying an Rh-positive fetus during her second or subsequent pregnancies, leading to sensitization and potential hemolysis in future pregnancies.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is correct. Rh incompatibility occurs when the mother is Rh-negative, and the newborn is Rh-positive. During the first pregnancy, the mother is not sensitized to the Rh factor and does not produce significant amounts of anti-Rh antibodies. However, if the fetus is Rh- positive, there is a risk of sensitization during childbirth or any other event where maternal and fetal blood may mix. In subsequent pregnancies, if the mother becomes pregnant with another Rh-positive fetus, her immune system will recognize the Rh antigen as foreign and produce antibodies that can cross the placenta and attack the fetal red blood cells, leading to hemolysis and hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn.
Choice C rationale:
This choice is not related to the mechanism of Rh incompatibility. Receiving a transfusion with Rh-negative blood would not cause the mother's immune system to produce anti-Rh antibodies or lead to Rh incompatibility with her newborn.
Choice D rationale:
This choice describes the ABO blood group system, not the Rh factor. ABO incompatibility can occur when a mother with blood type O (producing anti-A and anti-B antibodies) has a newborn with blood type A, B, or AB, leading to hemolysis of the fetal red blood cells. However, the question specifically mentions Rh incompatibility, which involves the Rh factor, not the ABO system.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Naegele's Rule is used to estimate the expected delivery date (EDD) by adding 7 days and 9 months to the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) In this case, May 4th, 2018, is the first day of the LMP. Adding 7 days brings us to May 11th, and then adding 9 months brings us to February 11th, 2019, which is the estimated delivery date.
Choice B rationale:
This option is incorrect because it adds 9 months to the LMP without accounting for the additional 7 days, resulting in an inaccurate EDD.
Choice C rationale:
This option is incorrect because it only adds 9 months to the LMP without considering the 7 days, leading to an inaccurate EDD.
Choice D rationale:
This option is incorrect because it adds 9 months to the LMP without considering the 7 days, resulting in an inaccurate EDD.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Periodic tingling of fingers is a common symptom during pregnancy and is often related to hormonal changes and increased fluid retention. While it can be uncomfortable, it is not necessarily an indication of a potential prenatal complication.
Choice B rationale:
Absence of clonus is not an abnormal finding during pregnancy. Clonus is a series of involuntary muscle contractions and relaxations and is generally not expected during a routine assessment.
Choice C rationale:
Leg cramps are a common complaint during pregnancy and are usually caused by changes in calcium and magnesium levels. While they can be uncomfortable, they are not typically considered an indication of a potential prenatal complication.
Choice D rationale:
Blurred vision can be an indication of preeclampsia, a serious condition that can occur during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs, often affecting the eyes, kidneys, and liver. It is crucial for the nurse to recognize this symptom and promptly inform the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
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