Maternal Nursing: ABO Incompatibility, RH Sensitization, and HIV/AIDS

This set of flashcards covers the key vocabulary terms and definitions related to ABO incompatibility, Rh sensitization, and HIV/AIDS as outlined in the maternal nursing lecture.

Rh Sensitization

A condition that occurs when an Rh- maternal blood type is exposed to Rh+ fetal blood, leading to antibody production against Rh antigen.

ABO Incompatibility

Occurs when a pregnant mother has a different blood type than her fetus, potentially causing maternal antibodies to attack fetal RBCs.

Isoimmunization

The process by which a mother's immune system becomes sensitized to fetal blood group antigens.

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)

A condition where fetal red blood cells are destroyed by maternal antibodies, leading to anemia and jaundice.

Erythroblastosis Fetalis

A severe form of HDN characterized by the production of immature red blood cells due to fetal anemia.

Direct Coombs Test

A laboratory test used to detect antibodies that are attached to red blood cells, often used in cases of hemolytic anemia.

Hyperbilirubinemia

An excessive level of bilirubin in the blood, which can lead to jaundice and is often seen in newborns.

Anti-Rh antibodies

Antibodies produced by Rh- individuals when exposed to Rh+ blood.

HIV/AIDS

A chronic disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Opportunistic Infections

Infections that occur more frequently in individuals with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS.

Retrovirus

A type of virus that inserts its genetic material into the host cell's DNA; HIV is an example.

CD4 cells

A type of immune cell that HIV attacks, leading to immune system compromise.

Seroconversion

The period during which HIV antibodies develop and become detectable in the blood.

Zidovudine

An antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV infection.

Kaposi Sarcoma

A type of cancer commonly seen in HIV/AIDS patients, characterized by lesions on the skin and other organs.

ELISA test

A blood test used for screening for HIV antibodies.

Western Blot Test

A confirmatory test used to detect specific proteins associated with HIV.

Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP)

A life-threatening lung infection commonly seen in individuals with advanced HIV/AIDS.

Rh(D) Factor

A specific protein that can be present on the surface of red blood cells; plays a key role in Rh incompatibility.

Amniocentesis

A medical procedure used to obtain samples of amniotic fluid for testing, often used to assess fetal health.

Exchange Transfusion (ExTx)

A medical procedure to replace the blood of a newborn in cases of severe hemolytic disease to prevent complications.