Which of the Following Conditions is Most Likely to Cause

Question

Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause erythroblastosis?
A) The baby is Rh- and the mother is Rh-.
B) The baby is Rh+ and the mother is Rh+.
C) The baby is Rh+ and the mother is Rh-.
D) The baby is Rh- and the mother is Rh+.

Accepted Answer

Erythroblastosis, also known as hemolytic disease of the newborn, occurs when the mother is Rh- and the baby is Rh+. During pregnancy, the mother's immune system can become sensitized to the Rh factor, leading to the production of antibodies against Rh+ blood. If these antibodies cross the placenta and enter the baby's bloodstream, they can attack and destroy the baby's red blood cells, causing anemia and other complications. Therefore, the only scenario in which erythroblastosis is most likely to occur is when the baby is Rh+ and the mother is Rh-.