A nurse is caring for a patient who is at 15 weeks gestation, is rh-negative, and just had an Amniocentesis.

Which of the following interventions is the nurse’s priority following the procedure?

Administer Rho-Immunoglobulin.This is because the patient is Rh-negative and has a risk of developing antibodies against the Rh antigen of the fetus, which can cause hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) in subsequent pregnancies.Rho-Immunoglobulin prevents the maternal immune system from recognizing the fetal Rh antigen and producing antibodies.

Choice A is wrong because checking the patient’s temperature is not the priority intervention following an amniocentesis.

Temperature may be monitored to detect infection, but this is not as urgent as preventing Rh sensitization.

Choice B is wrong because observing for uterine contractions (UCs) is not the priority intervention following an amniocentesis.

UCs may indicate preterm labor, but this is not as common or as serious as HDFN.

Choice D is wrong because monitoring the fetal heart rate (FHR) is not the priority intervention following an amniocentesis.

FHR may be checked to assess fetal well-being, but this is not as important as preventing Rh sensitization.

Normal ranges:

• Temperature: 36.5°C to 37.2°C

• FHR: 110 to 160 beats per minute

• Anti-D antibody titer: < 1:8

“You will need to have someone drive you home after the procedure.” Amniocentesis is a procedure in which your doctor removes a small amount of amniotic fluid from your uterus for testing or treatment.The procedure can cause some cramping, bleeding, or leaking of fluid, so you should rest and avoid strenuous activities for the rest of the day.

Having someone drive you home is a safety precaution.

Choice A is wrong because you will need to have anemptybladder for the procedure.This reduces the risk of puncturing the bladder with the needle and makes it easier to see the uterus on ultrasound.

Choice B is wrong because you will need to lie on yoursidefor the procedure.This prevents putting pressure on a major blood vessel called the vena cava, which can reduce blood flow to your baby.

Choice D is wrong because you willnotneed to avoid eating or drinking before the procedure.There is no evidence that fasting reduces the risk of complications from amniocentesis.