Question

The Rh negative mother is admitted to the post-partal unit. If the infant is found to be Rh positive, the nurse should prepare to administer which of the following? ? A. Rh(D) immune globulin ? B. Ribavirin (Rebetol) ? C. Repaglinide (Prandin) ? D. Raloxifene (Evista)

Short answer

Answer: Rh(D) immune globulin

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Rh incompatibility

Rh incompatibility occurs when the mother has Rh-negative blood while the infant has Rh-positive blood. This can result in the mother's body creating antibodies against the infant's blood, potentially causing serious harm to the infant. To prevent this immunological reaction, it is necessary to administer a medication that would suppress the mother's immune response to the Rh-positive blood.

Examining Option A - Rh(D) immune globulin

Rh(D) immune globulin is a medication specifically designed to prevent the immunological reaction in cases of Rh incompatibility. It binds to the Rh-positive blood cells in the mother's body and prevents her immune system from recognizing them as foreign and forming antibodies. This is the correct medication for an Rh-negative mother with an Rh-positive infant.

Examining Option B - Ribavirin (Rebetol)

Ribavirin (Rebetol) is an antiviral medication that is used to treat the hepatitis C virus. It has no role in preventing the immunological reaction in cases of Rh incompatibility and is, therefore, not the correct medication in this situation.

Examining Option C - Repaglinide (Prandin)

Repaglinide (Prandin) is an antidiabetic medication used to treat type 2 diabetes by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin. This is unrelated to the problem of Rh incompatibility and is not an appropriate medication to administer in this case.

Examining Option D - Raloxifene (Evista)

Raloxifene (Evista) is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. This medication has no role in preventing the immunological reaction in cases of Rh incompatibility. Thus, it is not the correct medication to administer in this situation.

Conclusion

The appropriate medication to administer in the given scenario is Rh(D) immune globulin. This medication is designed to prevent the immunological reaction in cases of Rh incompatibility between an Rh-negative mother and her Rh-positive infant. The other medications are not relevant to this specific situation.