Question

Which procedure is appropriate when identifying the means of eliminating excess iron in a child with thalassemia major?

a. Blood transfusion
b. Iron supplementation
c. Dietary changes
d. Genetic therapy

Answer 1

The correct procedure to eliminate excess iron in a child with thalassemia major is chelation therapy, not blood transfusion, iron supplementation, or dietary changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate procedure for eliminating excess iron in a child with thalassemia major is not blood transfusion, iron supplementation, or dietary changes. These children often require frequent blood transfusions which can lead to iron overload. Therefore, the treatment for excess iron, or siderosis, involves the use of chelation therapy to remove the excess iron from the body. Chelation therapy binds to heavy metals like iron and helps in their excretion from the body. It is important to manage iron overload as it can lead to damage in vital organs, such as the liver and heart, among others.