An Rh-negative woman gives birth to her first child, the Rh-positive boy. Within how many hours after giving birth should the mother receive anti D immunoglobulin?

The appropriate window for administering anti-D immunoglobulin to an Rh-negative mother who has given birth to an Rh-positive child is within 72 hours of delivery. This timing is crucial to prevent the mother from developing antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells, which could lead to complications in future pregnancies.

Administering the immunoglobulin helps to neutralize any Rh-positive cells that may have entered the mother's bloodstream during delivery, thereby reducing the risk of Rh sensitization. If this treatment is delayed beyond the 72-hour mark, the effectiveness decreases significantly, increasing the likelihood of the mother producing antibodies that could affect subsequent pregnancies.

The other timeframes mentioned, such as 48, 96, or 24 hours, do not align with current guidelines for optimal intervention. Ensuring the administration of anti-D immunoglobulin within the established 72-hour period contributes to better maternal-fetal outcomes in cases involving Rh incompatibility.