Rh immune prophylaxis in Rh negative mother is given if abortion occurs in?

Appeared in: HPSSC - 2015

Explanation

Rh immune prophylaxis (Anti-D immunoglobulin) is given to prevent Rh sensitization in an Rh-negative mother.
Sensitization can occur if fetal Rh-positive blood enters the maternal circulation, which can happen during any abortion (spontaneous or induced) or an ectopic pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends administration of Rh immune globulin after abortion at any gestational age, as well as after an ectopic pregnancy.
The risk of fetomaternal hemorrhage exists in abortions both before and after 12 weeks of gestation, and also in ectopic pregnancies, making prophylaxis necessary in all these cases.

Option A: This option is correct, but incomplete. Prophylaxis is also required for abortions after 12 weeks and for ectopic pregnancies.
Option B: This option is correct, but incomplete. Prophylaxis is also necessary for abortions before 12 weeks and for ectopic pregnancies.
Option C: This option is correct, but incomplete. Prophylaxis is also indicated for abortions, both before and after 12 weeks of gestation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Indications for Rh immune prophylaxis in Rh-negative mothers following pregnancy loss as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Preventing Rh sensitization is a critical nursing responsibility to protect future pregnancies from Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN).
Nurses must verify the mother's blood type (Rh status) and the indication for prophylaxis, administer the injection correctly (usually intramuscularly), and document it accurately.
Patient education is key. The nurse should explain to the patient why the injection is needed to protect her future children.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept: Rh immune prophylaxis for an Rh-negative mother.
Recall the purpose of Rh immune globulin: to prevent the mother from developing antibodies against Rh-positive blood.
Consider the events that could cause fetal blood (potentially Rh-positive) to mix with maternal blood. These are called sensitizing events.
Evaluate each option: Is an abortion before 12 weeks a sensitizing event? Yes. Is an abortion after 12 weeks a sensitizing event? Yes. Is an ectopic pregnancy a sensitizing event? Yes.
Since all listed options are valid indications for Rh immune prophylaxis, the most comprehensive and correct answer is 'All of the above'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Indications for Rh immune prophylaxis in Rh-negative mothers following pregnancy loss.
Stem keywords: Rh immune prophylaxis, Rh negative mother, abortion
Lead-in keywords: is given if

QnPjJZ4mAJQdAupel_FQcJ

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 1-9

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 467-469

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1134-1136

Practise the full HPSSC - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.