Pediatric Nursing Q 183

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A child with ?-thalassemia is undergoing a blood transfusion. To prevent organ damage from the excessive amount of iron, chelation therapy is prescribed. Which of the following medications will be added to this therapy?

  

     A. Dextromethorphan

     B. Desirudin

     C. Deferasirox

     D. Desipramine

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Deferasirox.

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Chelation therapy with deferasirox (Exjade) or deferoxamine (Desferal) is prescribed to prevent organ damage from the presence of too much iron in the body as a result of the transfusion. Transfusion-related iron overload occurs in patients that require frequent transfusions throughout their life. These patients include those affected by Thalassemia, Sickle cell disease, myelodysplastic syndromes, ineffective hematopoiesis, and other inherited anemia disorders.

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Option A: This is a cough suppressant. Dextromethorphan received FDA approval in 1958 for its use as a cough suppressant. It is one of the most common compounds found in most over-the-counter antitussives for the past 50 years.

Option B: This is a thrombin inhibitor. Desirudin is used to prevent a type of blood clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

Option D: This is an antidepressant. Desipramine is a secondary amine tricyclic antidepressant that is FDA approved for the treatment of depression. This drug has off-label use to treat bulimia nervosa, irritable bowel syndrome, neuropathic pain, overactive bladder, post-herpetic neuralgia, and ADHD.

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