Final answer:
The nurse should anticipate the prescription of Deferoxamine (Desferal) for chelation therapy in a child with B-thalassemia receiving long-term transfusion therapy to manage excess iron.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the case of a child with B-thalassemia receiving long-term blood transfusion therapy, chelation therapy is prescribed to manage the excess iron that accumulates in the body as a result of the transfusions. The nurse should anticipate the prescription of Deferoxamine (Desferal), as this is a medication specifically used for iron chelation.
Chelation therapy typically involves the use of agents that bind to heavy metals in the blood, which are then excreted from the body. In the context of B-thalassemia, the accumulation of iron is a common complication due to regular blood transfusions, necessitating the use of an iron chelator like Deferoxamine. It's crucial to administer chelation therapy appropriately to prevent iron overload while avoiding disruption of normal ion concentrations in the body.
It's important to note that chelation therapy can affect biologically important metals such as calcium and magnesium, potentially leading to side effects if not managed correctly.