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?

Choice A rationale Breast milk contains antibodies, specifically Immunoglobulin A (IgA), which provide passive immunity to infants and help in fighting off infections. This protective mechanism is especially important in the early months when the infant's immune system is still developing. Choice B rationale The immune system of a newborn is immature, particularly in its ability to produce its own antibodies. This immaturity means that newborns rely on passive immunity from the mother, either through the placenta during pregnancy or via breast milk after birth. Choice C rationale Infants possess passive immunity during the first few months of life, derived from maternal antibodies transferred through the placenta. This temporary immunity provides a crucial defense against infections until the infant's own immune system becomes more developed and capable of responding to pathogens. Choice D rationale While newborns have some level of immune function, it is not fully developed within the first month of life. Active immunity, the body's ability to produce its own antibodies in response to pathogens, takes several months to fully mature. .