Which statement about Rh immune globulin prophylaxis is accurate?

Which statement about Rh immune globulin prophylaxis is accurate?

• A. It is given to Rh-positive mothers after delivery
• B. It reduces alloimmunization risk in Rh-negative mothers
• C. It has no effect on future pregnancies
• D. It is contraindicated in Rh-negative mothers with Rh-positive infants

Answer: (B)

Rh immune globulin works by binding any RhD-positive fetal red cells that enter the mother’s circulation, so the mother's immune system doesn't recognize the D antigen and form anti-D antibodies. By preventing the development of anti-D, it reduces alloimmunization risk in an Rh-negative mother, which lowers the chance of hemolytic disease in future pregnancies if the baby is Rh-positive. That’s why this statement is the accurate one. The other options conflict with how RhIg is used: it is given to Rh-negative mothers (not Rh-positive), it does have a protective effect on future pregnancies by preventing alloimmunization, and it is not contraindicated in Rh-negative mothers with Rh-positive infants—it is indicated to prevent alloimmunization in that scenario.

Rh immune globulin works by binding any RhD-positive fetal red cells that enter the mother’s circulation, so the mother's immune system doesn't recognize the D antigen and form anti-D antibodies. By preventing the development of anti-D, it reduces alloimmunization risk in an Rh-negative mother, which lowers the chance of hemolytic disease in future pregnancies if the baby is Rh-positive. That’s why this statement is the accurate one. The other options conflict with how RhIg is used: it is given to Rh-negative mothers (not Rh-positive), it does have a protective effect on future pregnancies by preventing alloimmunization, and it is not contraindicated in Rh-negative mothers with Rh-positive infants—it is indicated to prevent alloimmunization in that scenario.