Question

The family of a toddler recently diagnosed with beta-thalassemia asks the nurse what the main treatment is. Which statement by the nurse provides the most appropriate response to the family's question?

a) "Blood transfusions are the primary treatment for beta-thalassemia."

b) "Surgical removal of the spleen is the main approach to managing beta-thalassemia."

c) "Bone marrow transplantation is the preferred treatment for beta-thalassemia."

d) "Corticosteroids are commonly used to treat beta-thalassemia in toddlers."

Answer 1

Blood transfusions are the primary treatment for beta-thalassemia to maintain hemoglobin levels and red blood cell counts. In severe cases, bone marrow transplantation from a compatible donor can be a potential cure but carries significant risks.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary treatment for beta-thalassemia is blood transfusions. Beta-thalassemia is a genetic disease that leads to reduced synthesis of the beta chains of hemoglobin, resulting in ineffective erythropoiesis and anemia. Blood transfusions help maintain hemoglobin levels and red blood cell counts. However, for severe cases, such as thalassemia major, a more definitive treatment may be bone marrow transplantation. This procedure involves replacing the patient's diseased marrow with healthy marrow from a compatible donor after the patient's own marrow has been ablated with chemotherapy and/or radiation. Bone marrow transplantation has the potential to cure beta-thalassemia but is dependent on finding a suitable donor and carries significant risks. Therefore, bone marrow transplantation is generally considered only in severe cases where a compatible donor is available and the benefits outweigh the risks.