A nurse is teaching a client who is postpartum and has an order for an injection of Rh, (D) immunoglobulin. Which of the following should be included in the teaching?

A. It prevents the formation of Rh antibodies in mothers who are Rh negative: Rh(D) immunoglobulin works by preventing the maternal immune system from recognizing and forming antibodies against Rh-positive fetal red blood cells. This is essential to protect future pregnancies from hemolytic disease of the newborn. B. It destroys Rh antibodies in mothers who are Rh negative: Rh(D) immunoglobulin does not destroy antibodies that have already formed. If sensitization has occurred, the immunoglobulin is ineffective. It is strictly a preventive measure, not a treatment for existing antibodies. C. It prevents the formation of Rh antibodies in newborns who are Rh positive: Newborns do not form Rh antibodies in response to their own blood type. The immune response in question occurs in the Rh-negative mother, not in the Rh-positive infant. This statement reflects a misunderstanding of the immunologic mechanism. D. It destroys Rh antibodies in newborns who are Rh positive: Rh(D) immunoglobulin does not act on the newborn’s immune system or antibodies. It functions solely in the maternal circulation to prevent maternal sensitization to fetal Rh-positive cells.