Question

haemolytic disease of the newborn (erythroblastosis fetalis), which one of the following is the most accurate?

(A) It typically occurs when the father is Rh-positive and the mother is Rh-negative.

(B) Maternal red cells are the source of the antigen that induces the antibody.

(C) Maternal IgM anti-Rh antibody enters the fetus and causes damage to the fetal red cells.

(D) Symptomatic disease is more likely to occur in the first child than in the subsequent children.

(E) Administration of Rh antigen to the newborn can prevent

symptomatic disease if given early enough.

Answer 1

Rh incompatibility

Rh incompatibility occurs when a Rh-negative mother is impregnated by a Rh-positive father. The result can be a Rh-positive baby. In such a case, your baby’s Rh antigens will be perceived as foreign invaders, the way viruses or bacteria are perceived. Your blood cells attack the baby’s as a protective mechanism that can end up harming the child. If you’re pregnant with your first baby, Rh incompatibility isn’t as much of a concern. However, when the Rh-positive child is born, your body will create antibodies against the Rh factor. These antibodies will attack the blood cells if you ever become pregnant with another Rh-positive baby.

Option A is the correct answer