As the triage nurse in the emergency room, you are reviewing results for the high-risk obstetric patient who is in labor because of traumatic injury experienced as a result of a motor vehicle accident (MVA). You note that the Kleihauer–Betke test is positive. Based on this information, you anticipate that
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: immediate birth is required. The positive Kleihauer–Betke test indicates fetal-maternal hemorrhage, where fetal blood enters the maternal circulation. This can lead to fetal-maternal transfusion, causing fetal anemia. Immediate birth is necessary to assess and manage potential fetal distress, such as anemia and hypoxia, due to the trauma from the MVA.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
B: Transferring to critical care unit is not the immediate priority. The focus should be on addressing the fetal distress.
C: RhoGAM is given to Rh-negative mothers to prevent Rh sensitization, but it is not directly related to the positive Kleihauer–Betke test result.
D: Tetanus shot administration is important for tetanus prevention, but it is not the priority in this case where immediate birth is required due to fetal-maternal hemorrhage.