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 A
Choice A rationale:
Rh incompatibility occurs when an Rh-negative client is exposed to Rh-positive fetal blood, typically during a prior pregnancy or delivery. The client’s immune system produces anti-Rh antibodies that cross the placenta in subsequent pregnancies, attacking the Rh-positive red blood cells of the fetus. This hemolysis releases bilirubin, leading to hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn.
Choice B rationale:
Rh incompatibility only occurs when the client is Rh-negative and the fetus is Rh-positive. An Rh-positive client will not form antibodies against an Rh-negative fetus, as their immune system recognizes the Rh factor as normal.
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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Requesting a prescription for PRN aspirin is incorrect because aspirin is an antiplatelet agent and should not be combined with heparin without specific medical advice due to the increased risk of bleeding.
Choice B reason:
Massaging the injection site is not recommended as it can cause trauma to the tissue and increase the risk of bleeding, which is especially concerning in a patient with deep-vein thrombosis.
Choice C reason:
Instructing the client that they cannot breastfeed while receiving heparin is incorrect. Heparin does not pass into breast milk in significant amounts and is considered safe for use while breastfeeding.
Choice D reason:
Administer the injection in the client's abdomen. Heparin is typically administered subcutaneously in the abdomen to ensure proper absorption and minimize discomfort. Because it is an area with large amounts of subcutaneous fat
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Palpating the client's uterine fundus is the priority intervention because excessive postpartum bleeding could indicate uterine atony, where the uterus fails to contract effectively. Assessing the fundus will help determine if it is boggy and if fundal massage is needed to promote uterine contraction and reduce bleeding.
B. Assisting the client to urinate is an important intervention if the bladder is distended, as a full bladder can prevent the uterus from contracting properly. However, palpating the fundus to assess the source of bleeding takes priority over assisting with urination.
C. Preparing to administer oxytocic medication may be necessary if the uterine fundus is boggy and does not respond to massage, but the first step is to assess the fundus and attempt manual intervention before proceeding with medication.
D. Increasing the client's fluid intake can help maintain circulation and prevent dehydration, but it does not address the immediate concern of postpartum hemorrhage. Palpating the fundus is the priority action in this scenario
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