Burns Pediatric Primary Care 7th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Burns Pediatric Primary Care 7th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

Hemolytic disease is suspected in a mother's second newborn. Which factor is important in understanding how this could develop?

  • A. The mother's first child was Rh positive.
  • B. The mother is Rh positive.
  • C. Both parents have type O blood.
  • D. RhIG (RhoGAM) was given to the mother during her first pregnancy.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Hemolytic disease of the newborn, also known as erythroblastosis fetalis, is a condition in which a mother's antibodies attack the red blood cells of the unborn baby. This most commonly occurs due to Rh incompatibility. The mother produces Rh antibodies during her first pregnancy with an Rh positive baby. During subsequent pregnancies with an Rh positive baby, these antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the baby's red blood cells, leading to hemolytic disease. Therefore, if the mother's first child was Rh positive, it increases the risk of hemolytic disease in subsequent pregnancies if the babies are also Rh positive.