It is determined that a client's blood Rh is negative and her partner's is positive. To help prevent Rh isoimmunization, the nurse would expect to administer Rho(D) immune globulin at which time?

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because sickle-cell anemia is a genetic disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. It does not affect the AFP level, which is a protein produced by the fetus and placenta. Sickle-cell anemia can be detected by other prenatal tests, such as hemoglobin electrophoresis or DNA analysis.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because cardiac defects are structural abnormalities of the heart or blood vessels that affect the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the fetus. They may cause an increased AFP level, not a decreased one, as they can lead to fetal distress or edema. Cardiac defects can be detected by other prenatal tests, such as fetal echocardiography or ultrasound.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that results from an extra copy of chromosome 21. It causes various physical and mental developmental delays and defects in the fetus. It is associated with a decreased AFP level, as well as decreased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and unconjugated estriol (uE3). Down syndrome can be confirmed by other prenatal tests, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS).

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because respiratory disorders are problems that affect the breathing and gas exchange of the fetus. They may cause an increased AFP level, not a decreased one, as they can lead to fetal distress or edema. Respiratory disorders can be detected by other prenatal tests, such as fetal biophysical profile (BPP) or nonstress test (NST).

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because administering Rho(D) immune globulin 24 hours before delivery is too early and may not provide adequate protection for the fetus. Administering it 24 hours after delivery is too late and may not prevent the mother from developing antibodies against the fetal Rh-positive blood cells.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because administering Rho(D) immune globulin in the first trimester is unnecessary and may not be effective, as the risk of Rh isoimmunization is very low before 28 weeks of gestation. Administering it within 2 hours of delivery is appropriate, but not sufficient, as it should be repeated within 72 hours after delivery.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because administering Rho(D) immune globulin at 28 weeks gestation and again within 72 hours after delivery is the recommended schedule for preventing Rh isoimmunization in Rh-negative pregnant women who have Rh-positive partners. This regimen can prevent up to 99% of cases of Rh isoimmunization by blocking the maternal immune response to the fetal Rh-positive blood cells.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because administering Rho(D) immune globulin at 32 weeks gestation is too late and may not prevent Rh isoimmunization if there has been any fetal-maternal hemorrhage before that time. Administering it immediately before discharge is also too late and may not prevent the mother from developing antibodies against the fetal Rh-positive blood cells.