COOMBS Test and Anemia Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the COOMBS Test (Antiglobulin Test)?

To diagnose Rh incompatibility

To detect antibodies attached to red blood cells (correct)

To detect iron deficiency in pregnant women

To measure the amount of oxygen in the blood

What is the significance of anemia during pregnancy?

It is associated with a decreased risk of miscarriages

It can result in pre-term labor and intrauterine growth retardation (correct)

It increases the risk of postpartum infection

It leads to increased oxygen carrying capacity of blood

What hemoglobin level, according to WHO, is considered anemia in the second trimester of pregnancy?

12 gm/dL

9 gm/dL

10 gm/dL (correct)

11 gm/dL

What is the medical term for Rh incompatibility during pregnancy?

Erythroblastosis Fetalis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consequence of Rh incompatibility for the baby?

Anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the RhoGAM shot given during pregnancy?

Prevents the mother's body from creating Rh antibodies against the baby's blood Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment finding is commonly associated with Rh incompatibility?

Jaundice Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between direct and indirect COOMBS Test in detecting antibodies against blood cells?

Direct test involves antibodies attached to RBC, while indirect test involves antibodies floating freely in the blood Signup and view all the answers

How does anemia affect pregnancy, increasing the risk of complications?

Associated with an increased incidence of miscarriage and pre-term labor Signup and view all the answers

In the context of pregnancy, what condition specifically involves the implantation of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity?

Ectopic Pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following complications is NOT commonly associated with Rh incompatibility?

Hyperemesis Gravidarum Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of erythroblastosis in a baby with Rh incompatibility?

Leakage of maternal Rh antibodies Signup and view all the answers

Which assessment finding is indicative of hyperbilirubinemia in a newborn affected by Rh incompatibility?

Jaundice Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of anemia in a mother with Rh incompatibility during pregnancy?

Potential exacerbation of fetal anemia Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood Incompatibility During Pregnancy

The COOMBS Test (Antiglobulin Test) is used to detect antibodies against blood cells.

Anemia During Pregnancy

Anemia during pregnancy is a significant concern due to its potential to increase the risk of complications.
According to WHO, a hemoglobin level of < 11.0 g/dL in the second trimester of pregnancy is considered anemia.

Rh Incompatibility

The medical term for Rh incompatibility during pregnancy is Erythroblastosis Fetalis (hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn).
The main consequence of Rh incompatibility for the baby is hemolytic anemia, which can lead to jaundice, heart failure, and even death.
The RhoGAM shot is given during pregnancy to prevent Rh sensitization and the formation of antibodies against the Rh antigen.

Assessment Findings

Jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) is a common assessment finding associated with Rh incompatibility.
A positive COOMBS Test is indicative of Rh incompatibility.

COOMBS Test

The primary difference between direct and indirect COOMBS Test is that the direct COOMBS Test detects antibodies attached to the surface of red blood cells, while the indirect COOMBS Test detects free antibodies in the serum.

Pregnancy Complications

Anemia during pregnancy increases the risk of complications, such as preterm labor, low birth weight, and maternal mortality.
Ectopic pregnancy is a condition that involves the implantation of a fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity.

Rh Incompatibility Complications

Not all cases of Rh incompatibility result in hemolytic disease; some babies may not be affected.
The primary cause of erythroblastosis in a baby with Rh incompatibility is the production of antibodies against the Rh antigen by the mother's immune system.

Fetal and Newborn Complications

Jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) is a common complication in newborns affected by Rh incompatibility.
Anemia in a mother with Rh incompatibility during pregnancy increases the risk of complications, such as preterm labor and low birth weight.

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Description

Learn about the COOMBS Test, a lab procedure to detect antibodies against blood cells, and an overview of anemia, a condition characterized by a decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. Understand the direct and indirect methods of detecting antibodies as well as the potential causes and implications of anemia.