A nurse is caring for a client on postpartum day 2 who is preparing to go home with their newborn. The nurse notes that the client's blood type is O- and the newborn's blood type is A+. Which of the following actions by the nurse is appropriate?

Choice A rationale The mother is O- and the newborn is A+, which creates a risk for Rh incompatibility. The mother's body has been exposed to the Rh-positive antigens from the newborn, potentially leading to the development of anti-Rh antibodies. To prevent the mother's immune system from developing these antibodies, which could affect a future Rh-positive pregnancy, a Rho (D) Immune Globulin injection must be administered. This injection needs to be given within 72 hours of delivery. Choice B rationale It is incorrect to educate the client that they do not require Rho (D) Immune Globulin. The Rh incompatibility between an Rh-negative mother and an Rh-positive newborn is the exact situation where Rho (D) Immune Globulin is indicated. The purpose of the injection is to prevent the maternal immune system from recognizing the Rh-positive fetal cells, thereby preventing the production of antibodies that could harm a subsequent pregnancy. Choice C rationale Advising the client to wait until their physician's appointment at the end of the week is inappropriate. Rho (D) Immune Globulin must be administered within 72 hours of delivery to be effective in preventing the sensitization of the mother's immune system. Delaying the injection beyond this window significantly reduces its effectiveness. Therefore, the injection must be given before the client is discharged from the hospital. Choice D rationale Informing the physician that the injection cannot be given due to the client being discharged is an inappropriate action. It is the nurse's responsibility to ensure that the client receives all necessary postpartum care before discharge. The Rho (D) Immune Globulin injection is a critical part of postpartum care for an Rh-negative mother with an Rh-positive newborn and must be administered within the hospital stay to ensure timely intervention