Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Hydroxyurea is primarily used in the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) due to its ability to increase fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels. Fetal hemoglobin has a higher affinity for oxygen compared to adult hemoglobin, which helps to inhibit the sickling of red blood cells. By raising the levels of HbF, hydroxyurea effectively reduces the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises that occur in SCD and improves overall patient outcomes.

This increase in fetal hemoglobin is a key therapeutic benefit, as elevated HbF levels can replace the sickle hemoglobin and lead to an overall reduction in hemolytic anemia and complications associated with SCD. The mechanism involves prompting the bone marrow to synthesize more fetal hemoglobin, which leads to the desired clinical effect in patients with SCD.

While the other choices mention alternative mechanisms or effects associated with other conditions or treatments, they do not accurately represent the primary role of hydroxyurea in SCD therapy.