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Question #46355
The Question
Erythroblastosis fetalis is a severe hemolytic disease of the newborn arising from Rh-incompatibility. In a scenario where an Rh-negative mother is carrying her second Rh-positive fetus without prior prophylactic administration of anti-Rh antibodies, which of the following statements regarding the immunological and physiological mechanisms is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The maternal immune system mounts a secondary (anamnestic) response, rapidly producing anti-Rh IgG antibodies that traverse the placental barrier.
- B.
The resulting fetal jaundice is caused by hyperbilirubinemia, a direct consequence of excessive erythrocyte hemolysis exceeding the fetal liver's clearance capacity.
- C.
The pathogenesis represents a classic autoimmune disorder within the fetus, as the fetal immune system is induced to attack its own Rh-positive erythrocytes.
- D.
Prophylactic administration of anti-Rh antibodies to the mother immediately after the first delivery prevents the primary sensitization of her naive B-lymphocytes.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
IgG_Antibodies|Placental_Barrier|Autoimmunity_Principles
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often confuse any immune-mediated tissue destruction occurring within an individual as 'autoimmunity'.
Because the hemolysis happens inside the fetus, a common misconception is that the fetal immune system is malfunctioning.
The trap tests the student's ability to trace the origin of the effector molecules (maternal IgG) and correctly classify the pathology as alloimmunity rather than autoimmunity.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Body Fluids and Circulation - Class 11 |
| Concept | ABO-Rh Incompatibility Logic |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |