Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CPHON Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is that it is false to state that all forms of iron overload in beta thalassemia are directly due to packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions. While it is true that pRBC transfusions are a significant source of iron loading in patients with beta thalassemia, they are not the only cause.

Patients with beta thalassemia often experience increased intestinal iron absorption due to ineffective erythropoiesis, a hallmark of the disease. This means that their bodies absorb more iron from the diet, irrespective of transfusions. Consequently, iron overload can occur even in patients who are not receiving regular transfusions. Therefore, while transfusions contribute markedly to iron burden, other factors can also lead to iron overload in these patients, making the statement false.

This understanding is crucial for managing patients with beta thalassemia, as it emphasizes the importance of monitoring and potentially treating iron overload even in patients who may not receive frequent transfusions.