Question

The physician has ordered an injection of RhoGam for the postpartum client whose blood type is A negative but whose baby is 0 positive. To provide postpartum prophylaxis, RhoGam should be administered: A. Within 72 hours of delivery B. Within 1 week of delivery C. Within 2 weeks of delivery D. Within 1 month of delivery

Short answer

Answer: Within 72 hours of delivery.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the question and what RhoGam does

First, we need to understand the purpose of RhoGam and why it should be administered to the postpartum client. RhoGam is a medication given to Rh-negative mothers who give birth to Rh-positive babies to prevent Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN). It works by suppressing the mother's immune response against the baby's Rh-positive red blood cells, preventing the production of antibodies that could harm the baby in future pregnancies.

Evaluate each option and select the correct one

We have four options to choose from: A. Within 72 hours of delivery B. Within 1 week of delivery C. Within 2 weeks of delivery D. Within 1 month of delivery To be effective, RhoGam must be administered during the appropriate time frame that will allow the mother's immune system to stop producing antibodies against the Rh-positive red blood cells. According to medical guidelines, RhoGam should be given: A. Within 72 hours of delivery So the correct answer is option A. Within 72 hours of delivery. This is the recommended time frame for RhoGam administration, as it allows the medication to suppress the immune response effectively and protect the mother and future babies from HDN.