Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) Practice Exam

In the context of splenic sequestration, a severe drop in hemoglobin is indeed expected, which aligns with the correct answer. Splenic sequestration occurs when sickled red blood cells become trapped in the spleen, leading to rapid splenic enlargement and a significant decrease in circulating red blood cells. As a result, the individual may experience acute anemia due to the sudden loss of these cells from the bloodstream.

This condition is often seen in individuals with sickle cell disease, where the spleen is involved in filtering and removing abnormal blood cells. The sequestration can lead to reduced hemoglobin levels, exacerbating symptoms of anemia such as fatigue, pallor, and increased heart rate. Monitoring for this complication is critical because it can lead to significant clinical implications and may require immediate medical intervention, such as blood transfusion or splenectomy in severe cases.

The other lab values given in the choices do not reflect the typical findings associated with splenic sequestration, as increased hemoglobin would not make sense in this context, nor would a decreased reticulocyte count, which typically indicates a lack of new red blood cell production in the bone marrow. An elevated white blood cell count might be present due to compensatory mechanisms or inflammatory responses but is not