Today’s NCLEX-RN® question of the day focuses on a child diagnosed with beta-thalassemia.
When teaching the parents of a child newly diagnosed with beta-thalassemia, which statement made by the parents indicates a need for additional teaching?
A. “We will give our child daily iron supplements.”
B. “Our child will need to have blood transfusions.”
C. “If we want more children, we should have genetic counseling.”
D. “Swimming is a good activity for our child.”
Scroll down for the correct answer!
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The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…
A. “We will give our child daily iron supplements.”
Rationale: Clients diagnosed with beta-thalassemia are at risk for iron overload because of increased hemolysis and frequent blood transfusions. Giving clients with beta-thalassemia iron supplements will increase this risk. The child should participate in physical activities such as swimming that do not increase the risk of fractures. Thalassemia is an inherited disorder so genetic counseling is recommended.
Main takeaway
Iron supplements should be avoided because clients diagnosed with beta-thalassemia are at risk for iron overload because of increased hemolysis and frequent blood transfusions. Clients with beta-thalassemia should participate in physical activities such as swimming that do not increase the risk of fractures. Beta thalassemia is an inherited disorder so genetic counseling is recommended.
Incorrect answer explanations
B. “Our child will need to have blood transfusions.”
Rationale: Blood transfusions are part of standard treatment for a client diagnosed with beta-thalassemia.
C. “If we want more children, we should have genetic counseling.”
Rationale: Beta-thalassemia is an inherited disorder so genetic counseling is recommended.
D. “Swimming is a good activity for our child.”
Rationale: Children with beta-thalassemia should be encouraged to participate in physical activities such as swimming that do not increase the risk of fractures.
References
Hockenberry, M., Wilson, D., & Rodgers, C.C. (2017). Wong’s Essentials of Pediatric Nursing (10th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
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