In which scenario would a mother likely require Rh immunoglobulin?

Prepare for the AAB Medical Technologist (MT) Generalist Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to boost your understanding. Get exam-ready now!

A mother would likely require Rh immunoglobulin in the scenario where Rh-positive fetal blood cells enter an Rh-negative mother's circulation. This situation can occur during pregnancy or delivery when fetal blood cells, which possess the Rh antigen, mix with the mother's blood that lacks this antigen. If the mother is Rh-negative, her immune system may recognize the Rh-positive cells as foreign and produce antibodies against them.

The primary concern arises during subsequent pregnancies. If the mother has formed antibodies against Rh-positive blood, these antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the red blood cells of an Rh-positive fetus, leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), which can cause severe anemia or even fetal demise.

In administering Rh immunoglobulin after the first delivery or during pregnancy, the aim is to prevent the mother from developing an immune response to Rh-positive blood cells, thereby safeguarding future pregnancies. Thus, the correct answer highlights a critical preventive measure in obstetric care for Rh incompatibility situations.

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