Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CPHON Practice Questions and Study Guide

Chelation therapy is widely recognized as an effective method for managing iron overload in patients with beta thalassemia. This condition often leads to frequent blood transfusions, which are necessary to treat anemia but can result in excessive iron accumulation in the body. The body has no natural means of excreting this excess iron, so chelation therapy becomes vital.

Chelation agents work by binding to free iron in the bloodstream, allowing it to be excreted through the urine or feces. This process helps to prevent complications associated with iron overload, such as damage to the heart, liver, and endocrine organs, which can significantly affect quality of life and overall health.

The other options, while they may have some relevance or potential benefits, do not effectively address iron overload in the same way. Vitamin C supplementation, for instance, can enhance iron absorption and is therefore not suitable for someone who is already managing an excess of iron. Increased transfusions would likely worsen iron overload rather than help manage it. A high-protein diet, while important for overall health and recovery, does not specifically target the problem of iron overload in beta thalassemia.