A client who is 38 weeks pregnant is concerned her baby might get a communicable disease before any immunizations are given. Which physiological mechanism should the nurse use when responding to the mother's concerns?

A. Neutrophils may be immature in protecting neonates from the risk for infection: While it is true that neonates have immature immune systems, this explanation does not address the mother’s concern about protection before immunizations. It highlights vulnerability rather than the protective mechanism. B. Infants can receive antiinfectants that have not developed resistance to microbes: This statement is inaccurate; newborns are not given general antiinfectants for prevention. Protection before immunization relies on maternal antibodies, not medications. C. Active immunity in newborns is developed fully in the first month of life: Active immunity develops gradually as the infant is exposed to antigens or vaccinated. It is not fully developed at birth or within the first month, so this statement is incorrect. D. Passive immunity in the first months of life provides protection in newborns: Maternal antibodies, particularly IgG, cross the placenta during late pregnancy and provide temporary passive immunity. This protects the infant from various infections until their immune system matures and immunizations begin.