The nurse has contributed to a staff education program on immunity. Which participant response indicates a correct understanding of the type of immunity that protects newborns for the first 3 months of life as a result of maternal transmission of IgG?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Passive natural immunity occurs. This type of immunity is achieved through the transfer of antibodies (IgG) from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. The antibodies provide protection to the newborn for the first few months of life. It is considered passive because the newborn is not actively producing the antibodies themselves.
A: Active natural immunity occurs when the body produces its antibodies in response to exposure to an antigen. This is not the case for newborns receiving maternal IgG.
C: Active artificial immunity occurs when the body is intentionally exposed to an antigen, such as through vaccination, to stimulate an immune response. This is not relevant to the scenario described.
D: Passive artificial immunity occurs when pre-formed antibodies are transferred to an individual through a medical intervention, such as receiving immune globulin. This is not applicable to the situation of maternal transmission of IgG to newborns.