Question

Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient who has thalassemia major?

a. Teach the patient to use iron supplements.
b. Avoid the use of intramuscular injections.
c. Administer iron chelation therapy as needed.
d. Notify health care provider of hemoglobin 11g/dL.

Answer 1

In the care of a patient with thalassemia major, the nurse should administer iron chelation therapy as needed to manage iron overload, which is a common complication in such patients due to increased GI absorption and transfusions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate action to include in the plan of care for a patient with thalassemia major is to administer iron chelation therapy as needed. Thalassemia is a genetic disorder causing abnormal hemoglobin production and leading to anemia. Due to increased gastrointestinal (GI) absorption and frequent blood transfusions, patients with thalassemia major often develop iron overload, which can be toxic to organs. Iron chelation therapy is necessary to remove the excess iron from the body and prevent iron overload complications.

Option a, teaching the patient to use iron supplements, would be inappropriate since iron accumulation is a concern in thalassemia major. Option b, avoiding the use of intramuscular injections, may be considered to reduce the risk of complications but is not the primary action related to iron management. Option d, notifying healthcare providers of a hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL, does not pertain to the standard management of thalassemia major as their hemoglobin levels are typically significantly lower than this due to their condition.