Which of the Following Combinations May Result in the Hemolytic

Question

Which of the following combinations may result in the hemolytic disease of the newborn?
A) mother Rh positive, baby Rh negative
B) mother Rh negative, baby Rh negative
C) mother Rh negative, baby Rh positive
D) mother type A+, baby type O+
E) mother Rh positive, baby Rh positive

Accepted Answer

In this case, the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive. During delivery or in any other situation where the baby's and mother's blood may mix, the mother's immune system can recognize the Rh factor in the baby's blood as foreign and start producing antibodies against it. These antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the baby's red blood cells, leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn. The other choices do not involve the Rh factor, which is the main cause of hemolytic disease of the newborn.