MEDizzy - A new nurse is telling an experienced nurse about treatments

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Oncological Management

A new nurse is telling an experienced nurse about treatments that a physician discussed with the parents of a child who has thalassemia major. Which statement by the new nurse should the experienced nurse question?

ExplanationThalassemia major occurs from a deficiency in the synthesis of the beta-chain of the hemoglobin resulting in defective hemoglobin that damages the red blood cells. Plasmapheresis, selective removal of the plasma, would be ineffective in treating thalassemia because the cells are not being destroyed by toxins in the plasma. Blood transfusion, splenectomy, and bone marrow stem cell transplant are all treatments for thalassemia major. Bone marrow stem cell transplantation can offer a cure.