Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Resource for Exam Excellence!

Autotransfusion in the context of splenic sequestration specifically refers to the process where the spleen releases trapped red blood cells (RBCs) back into circulation. In cases of splenic sequestration, such as in conditions like sickle cell disease, the spleen can become enlarged and trap a significant number of RBCs. This sequestered blood can result in a decrease in the circulating volume, leading to a drop in hemoglobin levels and potentially causing symptoms of anemia.

When the spleen releases these trapped RBCs, it essentially helps to restore some of the lost blood volume and improve overall oxygen transport in the body, thereby helping to mitigate the effects of the sequestration. Understanding this process highlights the critical role the spleen plays in managing red blood cell counts and in the body's response to anemia.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of autotransfusion in this context. For example, transfusion of whole blood from a donor refers to an external source of RBCs, while removal of the spleen would eliminate the possibility of sequestration altogether, and point-of-care blood testing pertains to diagnostic procedures rather than the physiological process involved in autotransfusion related to splenic function.