A client admitted to the hospital in preparation for a splenectomy to treat autoimmune hemolytic anemia asks the nurse about the benefits of splenectomy. Which statement best explains the expected effect of splenectomy?

It will remove the major site of red blood cell (RBC) destruction.

Explanation:

For clients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia, if corticosteroids do not cause a lessening or recovery of the disease conditions, a splenectomy (i. e., getting rid of the spleen) may be executed since it takes away the main site of Red Blood Cells (RBC) destruction.

After splenectomy, the hemoglobin concentration almost always raises, reticulocytes reduces, bilirubin levels return to usual, and RBCs have a moderately normal life span.

Reference:

Hinkle, J. L., and Cheever, K. H. Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 13thed., Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2014, Chapter 33: Management of Patients With Nonmalignant Hematologic Disorders, p. 911.