ATI Capstone Class Exam Week 12 Related

Review ATI Capstone Class Exam Week 12 related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who is 6 hours postpartum. The client is Rh-negative and her newborn is Rh-positive. The client asks why an indirect Coombs test was ordered by the provider. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

  • A. It detects Rh-positive antibodies in the mother’s blood.
  • B. It determines the presence of maternal antibodies in the newborn’s blood.
  • C. It detects Rh-negative antibodies in the newborn’s blood.
  • D. It determines if kernicterus will occur in the newborn.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the indirect Coombs test detects Rh-positive antibodies in the mother's blood. In Rh incompatibility, Rh-negative mothers can develop antibodies against Rh-positive fetal blood, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn. This test helps identify the presence of these antibodies to prevent harm to the newborn. Choice B is incorrect because the test is done on the mother's blood, not the newborn's. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to the wrong blood type. Choice D is incorrect as kernicterus is related to severe jaundice, not Rh incompatibility.