A child who has Beta-thalassemia is receiving numerous blood transfusions. The child is also receiving deforaxamine (Desferal) therapy. The parents ask how the deforaxamine will help their child

Question

Which of the following is a deforaxamine action that the nurse should convey? 1. Prevents blood transfusion reactions.
2. Stimulates red blood cell production.
3. Provides vitamin supplementation.
4. Prevents iron overload.

Answer 1

4
Rationale:
1. Desferal does not prevent blood transfusion reactions.
2. Desferal does not stimulate red blood cell production.
3. Desferal does not provide vitamin supplementation.
4. Iron overload can be a side effect of a hypertransfusion therapy. Deforaxamine (Desferal) is an iron-chelating drug that binds excess iron so it can be excreted by the kidneys. It does not prevent blood transfusion reactions, stimulate red blood cell production, or provide vitamin supplementation.