What is the purpose of Rh immune globulin?

Rh immune globulin is primarily used to suppress the Rh immune response in Rh-negative mothers who may be exposed to Rh-positive blood, particularly during pregnancy and after childbirth. This is crucial because if an Rh-negative woman carries an Rh-positive fetus, her immune system may produce antibodies against the Rh factor, leading to complications in the current or future pregnancies.

Administering Rh immune globulin helps to prevent the formation of these antibodies by neutralizing any Rh-positive cells that may enter the mother’s circulation during pregnancy or delivery. By doing so, it protects the mother from developing antibodies that could pose a risk to subsequent pregnancies. This intervention is key in avoiding hemolytic disease of the newborn, which can occur when the mother's immune system attacks the red blood cells of an Rh-positive baby in the womb.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary purpose of Rh immune globulin. While it is not a treatment for hemolytic disease itself, it serves as a preventive measure to avoid the development of the disease. It also does not have a role in boosting the overall immune system or enhancing antibody production specifically; rather, it focuses on modulating the immune response related to the Rh factor.