A nurse is caring for a client who is postpartum and has a prescription for Rho (D) Immunoglobulin. The nurse should verify which of the following prior to administration?

A) It destroys Rh antibodies in mothers who are Rh negative:

This statement is incorrect. Rh(D) Immunoglobulin, commonly known as RhoGAM, does not destroy Rh antibodies in mothers who are Rh negative. Instead, it prevents the mother's immune system from producing Rh antibodies against Rh-positive fetal blood cells.

B) It destroys Rh antibodies in newborns who are Rh positive:

This statement is incorrect. Rh(D) Immunoglobulin does not destroy Rh antibodies in newborns. Its purpose is to prevent the formation of Rh antibodies in Rh-negative mothers, thus protecting future pregnancies from hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).

C) It prevents the formation of Rh antibodies in newborns who are Rh positive:

This statement is incorrect. Rh(D) Immunoglobulin does not prevent the formation of Rh antibodies in newborns. It acts by suppressing the mother's immune response to Rh-positive fetal blood cells, thereby preventing the production of Rh antibodies that could harm future pregnancies.

D) It prevents the formation of Rh antibodies in mothers who are Rh negative:

This statement is correct. Rh(D) Immunoglobulin is administered to Rh-negative mothers to prevent the formation of Rh antibodies in response to exposure to Rh-positive fetal blood cells during pregnancy or childbirth. By neutralizing fetal Rh-positive red blood cells in the maternal circulation, it prevents sensitization of the mother's immune system and protects future pregnancies from HDN.

B) Vitamin K injection:

This is correct. Administration of vitamin K injection is a routine practice in newborn care immediately following birth. Newborns have low levels of vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting. The injection helps prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), a serious condition that can occur in newborns.

D) Antibiotic ointment to both eyes:

This is correct. Administration of antibiotic ointment to both eyes is standard practice to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis, which can be caused by organisms such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis acquired during passage through the birth canal. The ointment helps prevent eye infections and is typically administered shortly after birth.

A) Tdap:

Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) vaccine is not routinely administered immediately following birth. It is typically given to pregnant individuals during the third trimester to provide passive immunity to the newborn and protect against pertussis (whooping cough).

C) Haemophilus influenza type b immunization (Hib):

Hib immunization is not typically administered immediately following birth. It is a childhood vaccine that protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, a bacterial infection that can cause serious illnesses such as meningitis and pneumonia. The vaccine is usually given in a series of doses starting at 2 months of age.

E) Lidocaine gel to the umbilical stump:

Application of lidocaine gel to the umbilical stump is not a standard practice in newborn care immediately following birth. The umbilical cord stump typically dries and separates naturally over the first few weeks of life, and routine application of lidocaine gel is not necessary for its care.