Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CPHON Practice Questions and Study Guide

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA) is primarily characterized by a malfunction of the immune system, specifically targeting the body’s own red blood cells. In AIHA, the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies against red blood cells, leading to their premature destruction. This autoimmune response can occur in various contexts, including as a primary condition or secondary to other diseases.

Understanding this key characteristic is essential in recognizing the clinical presentation and laboratory findings associated with AIHA, such as unexplained anemia, elevated reticulocyte count, and the presence of specific antibodies on red blood cells. The significance of immune dysregulation is central to both diagnosis and treatment approaches, as management often involves immunosuppressive therapies to modulate the immune response.

The other options do not accurately depict the underlying mechanism of AIHA. While infections can impact red blood cell levels, they do not represent the core concept of immune-mediated hemolysis that defines AIHA. Similarly, excessive white blood cell production and a decrease in red blood cell production are not primary characteristics associated with this condition. The hallmark of AIHA lies distinctly in the immune system's role in attacking red blood cells, marking option A as the accurate characterization.