The adolescent continues to develop self-concept and self-esteem. Which of the following is the most important to a teen’s self-esteem?

A. “I will be sure to avoid getting pregnant for at least 1 year”: After evacuation of a molar pregnancy, pregnancy must be avoided for at least 6 to 12 months to allow monitoring of hCG levels and ensure remission. Rising hCG from a new pregnancy would interfere with detecting persistent trophoblastic disease.

B. “My intake of iron will have to be closely monitored for 6 months.”: Iron supplementation may be needed if anemia is present, but it is not the primary focus of post-molar pregnancy management. Ongoing care centers on serial hCG monitoring rather than nutritional intake.

C. “My blood pressure will continue to be increased for about 6 more months.”: Hypertension related to molar pregnancy typically resolves after evacuation. Persistent elevated blood pressure is not an expected long-term outcome.

D. “I won’t use my birth control pills for at least a year or two.”: Hormonal contraception is recommended after a molar pregnancy to prevent conception during hCG surveillance. Avoiding birth control pills increases the risk of pregnancy and complicates follow-up.

A. "Your child will do well after birth once transfusions are administered": This statement focuses on postnatal intervention rather than preventing maternal sensitization during pregnancy, which is the primary purpose of RhoGAM.

B. "RhoGAM kills antibodies you make, so your kid will be protected": RhoGAM does not destroy existing antibodies; it prevents the formation of maternal antibodies against Rh-positive fetal cells. This explanation could mislead the patient.

C. "Your baby may be Rh positive and cause you to make antibodies. These won't affect this baby, but could affect future children if RhoGAM isn't given": RhoGAM prevents maternal sensitization by neutralizing fetal Rh-positive red blood cells before the immune system responds. This explanation clearly communicates the purpose of the medication and the relevance for future pregnancies.

D. "If the baby is Rh negative at birth, he or she will need RhoGAM also": RhoGAM is administered to the mother, not the baby, and is only necessary if the mother is Rh-negative and the fetus is Rh-positive.