A mother is Rh-negative, and her fetus is Rh-positive. She delivered her first Rh-positive baby without receiving Rho(D) immune globulin. Which complication may occur in a future pregnancy if sensitization has occurred?
Neonatal hypoglycemia
Miscarriage
Fetal macrosomia
Placenta previa
The Correct Answer is B
A. Hypoglycemia in newborns is generally caused by maternal diabetes, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, or perinatal stress. It occurs because the newborn produces excess insulin or has limited glycogen stores. Rh sensitization does not affect glucose metabolism, so neonatal hypoglycemia is unrelated to maternal Rh status.
B. If an Rh-negative mother becomes sensitized after delivering an Rh-positive infant without receiving Rho(D) immune globulin, she can form anti-Rh antibodies. In a future pregnancy with an Rh-positive fetus, these antibodies can cross the placenta and destroy fetal red blood cells, causing hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). Severe HDN may lead to fetal anemia, hydrops fetalis, or miscarriage/stillbirth if left untreated.
C. Macrosomia, defined as birth weight >4,000–4,500 g, is typically associated with maternal diabetes, maternal obesity, or genetic predisposition. Rh incompatibility does not influence fetal growth or increase the risk of macrosomia, so it is not a concern in sensitized mothers.
D. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervical os, which can cause bleeding during pregnancy. Its risk factors include previous cesarean delivery, uterine surgery, multiple gestations, or advanced maternal age, but Rh sensitization has no effect on placental location, so it is unrelated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. EMLA cream (a eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) applied 30–60 minutes before a procedure under an occlusive dressing provides effective topical anesthesia, reducing pain at the venipuncture site. This is evidence-based practice for minimizing procedural pain in children and is particularly effective for needle insertions.
B. Administering a sugar solution (sucrose) is effective primarily for infants under 12 months and is most beneficial when given before or during painful procedures, not after. In a 5-year-old, it has minimal analgesic effect.
C. Applying a cold pack can provide some temporary numbing, but it is less effective than topical anesthetic creams for reducing pain during venipuncture. Additionally, short-duration cold application may not penetrate deep enough to anesthetize the vein adequately.
D. Distraction with toys can reduce anxiety and perceived pain but does not directly numb the insertion site. While helpful as a complementary measure, it is not as effective as topical anesthesia in reducing procedural pain.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Feeling hot when the room is cold is not a typical sign or complication of severe preeclampsia. This symptom is more related to general temperature sensitivity and does not indicate the hematologic or vascular complications associated with preeclampsia.
B. Evidence of bleeding, including gums bleeding, petechiae, and purpura, may indicate thrombocytopenia or a progression toward HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets), a severe complication of preeclampsia. These findings suggest impaired coagulation and increased risk of bleeding, which are life-threatening if not promptly managed. Monitoring for such hematologic complications is essential in severe preeclampsia.
C. Edema of the lower extremities is common in normal pregnancy and mild preeclampsia, but it is not a specific sign of a serious complication. While generalized edema can indicate worsening preeclampsia, isolated lower-extremity edema is not as closely associated with life-threatening complications as bleeding or hematologic abnormalities.
D. Periods of fetal movement followed by quiet periods are typical fetal behavior and do not indicate a maternal complication of preeclampsia. Monitoring for changes in fetal movement is important, but this finding alone does not reflect maternal complications of severe preeclampsia.
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