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    Med Surg Proctored ExamQuestion 13
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    Med Surg Proctored Exam
    Select All That Apply

    The nurse is reviewing the health record for several pregnant clients with Rh negative blood. Which of the following is/are an indication(s) for the nurse to administer RhoGAM? (Select all that apply.)

    Explanation & Rationale

    Choice A rationale Artificial rupture of membranes, also known as an amniotomy, is a procedure where the amniotic sac is intentionally punctured to induce or augment labor. While it involves a physical intervention, it does not typically involve the type of placental or uterine wall trauma that leads to significant fetomaternal hemorrhage. Therefore, it is not a standard, primary indication for the administration of RhoGAM unless it was accompanied by other complications that resulted in the mixing of fetal and maternal blood. Choice B rationale Placenta abruption involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, which often causes significant bleeding at the site of attachment. This event creates a high risk for fetomaternal hemorrhage, where Rh positive fetal red blood cells enter the Rh negative mother's circulation. To prevent the mother from developing antibodies against the D antigen, RhoGAM must be administered. This prevents hemolytic disease of the newborn in future pregnancies by providing passive immunity that clears fetal cells. Choice C rationale The application of a fetal scalp electrode is a method of internal fetal monitoring that involves attaching a small spiral electrode to the fetal presenting part. While this causes a minor puncture in the fetal skin, it does not usually result in a significant enough breach of the placental barrier to cause maternal sensitization. Consequently, this procedure is generally not considered an indication for RhoGAM administration, as the risk of maternal exposure to fetal blood during this specific process is extremely low. Choice D rationale Amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure where a needle is inserted through the maternal abdomen and into the uterine cavity to withdraw amniotic fluid. Because the needle must pass through the uterine environment and potentially near the placenta, there is a distinct risk of causing a small amount of fetal blood to enter the maternal bloodstream. In Rh negative mothers, this potential exposure necessitates the administration of RhoGAM to prevent the formation of permanent anti-D antibodies that could harm future fetuses. Choice E rationale Chorionic villus sampling is a prenatal test performed in early pregnancy that involves taking a sample of placental tissue for genetic testing. Similar to amniocentesis, this invasive procedure carries a significant risk of fetomaternal hemorrhage because it directly disrupts the placental structure. Any time there is a risk of fetal cells entering maternal circulation in an Rh negative individual, RhoGAM is required to provide immunoprophylaxis and protect against the development of Rh isoimmunization, ensuring the safety of subsequent pregnancies

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