This blood product is given to an Rh-negative mother to prevent antibody formation after exposure to Rh-positive fetal blood, administered at 28 weeks antepartum and within 72 hours postpartum.

• A. Rhogam
• B. Albumin
• C. Fresh frozen plasma
• D. Platelets

Answer: (A)

The key idea is preventing Rh sensitization in an Rh-negative mother. Rh immunoglobulin (Rhogam) does this by binding any tiny amounts of RhD-positive fetal red blood cells that enter the maternal circulation. By masking the D antigen, it prevents the mother's immune system from recognizing the foreign RhD and making her own anti-D antibodies, which protects future pregnancies from hemolytic disease in the newborn.

Timing matters: giving Rhogam at about 28 weeks of gestation provides protection during the later part of pregnancy, and giving it within 72 hours after delivery protects against sensitization if the newborn is Rh-positive. If the baby is Rh-negative, Rhogam isn’t needed.

The other products listed aren’t used for this purpose. Albumin is a plasma protein used as a volume expander, fresh frozen plasma provides clotting factors, and platelets address bleeding or platelet disorders. None of these prevent maternal antibody formation to RhD.