If a woman is sensitized to the Rh factor, it poses a threat to any Rh-positive fetus she delivers. The nurse

needs to provide emotional support to help the family deal with the infant’s condition, which might involve a

host of conditions that could lead to death or marked neurological damage. RhoGam is never given to a woman

already sensitized. If not previously sensitized, MICRhoGam (a smaller dose of Rh immune globulin) is given

after an abortion or ectopic pregnancy to prevent sensitization. If not sensitized, RhoGam is given to the woman

within 72 hours of delivery. Rh-immune globulin is never given to the newborn. To determine if sensitization has

occurred, an Indirect Coombs’ is drawn on the mother to measure the number of Rh-positive antibodies.Health

Promotion and Maintenance