A postpartum woman is given Rh immune globulin (Rhogam). What possible side effect should the nurse alert her about?

The administration of Rh immune globulin (Rhogam) is primarily to prevent Rh sensitization in Rh-negative women who give birth to Rh-positive infants. One of the common side effects associated with the injection of Rhogam is soreness at the injection site. This occurs as a result of the trauma from the needle and the irritation caused by the formulation of the medication itself.

Patients may experience localized pain, tenderness, or swelling where the injection was administered, which is a normal inflammatory response. While there may be other potential side effects from Rhogam, such as systemic reactions, the soreness at the site is notable and pertinent for the nurse to discuss with the patient to set appropriate expectations after the administration of the medication.

In contrast, while nausea and vomiting, increased lochia, and headaches can occur in various contexts of postpartum recovery, they are not typically associated with Rh immune globulin and would not be the primary concern to communicate to the woman receiving Rhogam.