Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) Practice Exam

High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can indeed suppress the production of antibodies, which is particularly useful in the treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). In this condition, the immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that target and destroy the body’s own red blood cells. Administering high-dose IVIG can help modulate the immune response, leading to a decrease in the production of these harmful antibodies. The mechanism by which IVIG exerts its effects includes neutralizing autoantibodies and interfering with the activation of complement pathways that contribute to hemolysis. Additionally, IVIG may promote the degradation of IgG and increase the clearance of the pathogenic antibodies from circulation, resulting in an improved clinical state for the patient. In the context of this question, focusing on the correct function of IVIG in AIHA highlights its role in suppressing unwanted immune system activity rather than enhancing the immune response or directly transfusing red blood cells or increasing platelet counts. Transfusion and platelet counts are more related to other aspects of hematologic therapies and do not directly pertain to the primary action of high-dose IVIG in managing AIHA.